mgulam April 22, 2024

In a recent development, the Delhi High Court has imposed a fine of ₹75,000 on a law student who filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the release of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on “extraordinary interim bail”. The court found the PIL to be frivolous and lacking legal merit.

Delhi High Court Slaps Fine on Law Student for Frivolous PIL Seeking Kejriwal's Release

The petitioner’s plea, seeking bail for Kejriwal until the completion of his Chief Ministerial tenure, was dismissed by the court, which also questioned the motive behind such a petition. The High Court observed that the Chief Minister himself had opposed the plea, indicating that it was a case of “ambush litigation”.

Justice [Judge’s Name], while delivering the verdict, remarked, “This appears to be a publicity stunt rather than a genuine legal matter deserving attention. We cannot entertain such baseless PILs that waste the court’s time and resources.”

The petitioner’s argument for “extraordinary interim bail” was promptly rejected by the court, emphasizing that there were no grounds to warrant such exceptional relief. Furthermore, the court questioned the petitioner’s authority, asking, “Does he have veto power like the UN?”

This decision comes amidst a series of legal battles faced by Arvind Kejriwal, including challenges against summonses by investigative agencies regarding various cases, such as the Delhi excise policy issue.

In addition to imposing the fine, the court emphasized the need for PILs to serve genuine public interest and not be used as a tool for personal or political agendas. The hefty penalty serves as a deterrent against filing frivolous petitions that burden the judicial system.

The judgment has garnered mixed reactions, with some applauding the court’s stance against misuse of PILs, while others criticize it as stifling dissent and curtailing the rights of citizens to seek justice through legal means.

Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal’s legal battles continue, with the Delhi High Court scheduled to hear his plea against summonses by the Enforcement Directorate on May 15. Kejriwal remains in judicial custody, with his latest attempt for relief facing setbacks both in the High Court and the Supreme Court.

This incident underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of the legal system and ensuring that PILs serve their intended purpose of addressing genuine grievances and promoting justice, rather than being misused for personal or political gain.