In a stern admonition, the Supreme Court of India reprimanded a lawyer during a hearing on Monday, questioning the rationale behind filing a frivolous petition and emphasizing that court time should not be wasted. The court, presided over by Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma, dismissed a special leave petition (SLP) filed by Food Corporation of India and its Divisional Manager, imposing a fine of Rs. 50,000 each for their unnecessary legal action.
The petitioners had sought a review of a controversial order passed by the Tripura High Court on October 19, 2023. Initially, their SLP had been challenged before a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court and was dismissed. Despite this, the petitioners approached the High Court again only to have their plea rejected once more, leading them to file a new petition with the Supreme Court.
Justice Bela M. Trivedi expressed her displeasure from the outset, questioning the audacity of filing such a petition and demanded to know the lawyer on record. She instructed the representing lawyer, Purushottam Sharma Tripathi, to argue their case. Justice Sharma reiterated that the SLP was previously dismissed post-hearing and advised the petitioners to seek reconsideration from the High Court instead.
Despite repeated pleas by the lawyer, the Supreme Court resolved to impose the fine, indicating a stringent stance against misuse of the judicial process. The court refused to permit any further wastage of time, dismissing the plea and instructing that the fine be deposited with the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.
