Taking a firm stand, the Supreme Court penalised a Lucknow-based Advocate with a fine of Rs one lakh for filing a PIL challenging the notification issued by the Lok Sabha Speaker for reinstatement of parliamentary membership of Nationalist Congress Party MP Mohammed Faizal Padippura.
Earlier, a Bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud had decided to impose a cost of Rs five Lakh on the same Advocate for filing the frivolous PIL.
The reason cited by the Apex Court for imposing such fines was to limit the frivolous complaints and PIL’s, which took away its precious time.
The Bench of Justice B.R. Gavai, Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra noted that this Court had more important issues to handle. This was done with an intent to dissuade PILs, which were filed for the sole purpose of publicity.
After expressing its disappointment, the top court of the country dismissed the petition. However, taking in view the continuous requests made by the petitioner-lawyer, the Bench decreased the cost imposed from Rs five lakh to Rs one lakh.