The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on a PIL that sought sweeping judicial reforms, including a mandate that all courts in the country dispose of cases within a year. Calling it a case of “publicity interest litigation,” the court dismissed the plea and made clear that the courtroom should not become a platform to “address cameras stationed outside”.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Joymalya Bagchi took strong exception to the nature and content of the PIL, which was filed and argued in-person by petitioner Kamlesh Tripathi.
Tripathi had requested that he be allowed to argue in Hindi and urged the court to bring about systemic change through its judicial powers. The Chief Justice, however, clarified that such ambitions were not fit for adjudication under a formal petition.
“Aap desh me badlaav chahte haina? Aapko aisa petition daalne ki zaroorat nahi hai, aap ek patra likh kar mujhe bhej dijiye,” the CJI remarked, suggesting that genuine reform proposals could be sent via a letter to the Chief Justice in his administrative capacity.
The bench was unsparing in its critique of what it described as a growing trend of using the PIL route for publicity.
“Aap log sirf jo bahar cameraman khade hai unke saamne bolne ke liye petition mat daaliye,” Chief Justice Kant observed during the hearing.
The court also questioned the feasibility of the petitioner’s demand. “Aap keh rahe hai ek saal mein har court faisla kare? Aisi kitne courts chahiye aapko?” the CJI asked, pointing to the practical challenges and resource constraints within the judiciary.
In its brief order, the court stated:
“The petitioner, if so advised, may submit a letter on the administrative side to the CJI, with suggestions, if any, for the purpose of judicial reforms. It goes without saying that any such suggestions are always welcome.”
The case highlights the court’s consistent stand against misuse of the PIL jurisdiction and its emphasis on ensuring that judicial time is not wasted on impractical or theatrically motivated petitions.
