In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court imposed a fine of ₹25,000 on a litigant who filed a contemptuous petition against several judicial officers and lawyers, alleging their involvement in the illegal acquisition of public property. The court's decision underscores the judiciary's intolerance towards attempts to undermine its dignity through baseless and scandalous allegations.
Background of the Case
The petitioner, identifying himself as a lawyer, appeared in person before the court. He accused four judicial officers of misusing their official positions to unlawfully appropriate public property. The petition sought the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against these officers and certain lawyers purportedly involved in the alleged misconduct.
Court's Observations on the Petitioner's Conduct
Justice N.S. Shekhawat, presiding over the case, expressed strong disapproval of the petitioner's approach. The court noted that the petitioner exhibited an "arrogant and contemptuous attitude," attempting to scandalize the judiciary with unfounded claims. Justice Shekhawat remarked, "The present petitioner had attempted an arrogant and contemptuous attitude, but of course, the dignity of the Court is not so brittle as to shatter by a stone thrown by a madman." This statement emphasizes the resilience of the judiciary against baseless attacks.
The court further observed that the language used by the petitioner was scandalous and constituted contempt of court. However, displaying leniency, the court refrained from initiating contempt proceedings, expressing hope that the petitioner would adhere to the decorum expected of legal professionals in the future.
Legal Analysis of the Petition
The court examined the legal tenability of the petition, which sought the registration of an FIR under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Citing the Supreme Court's decision in Sakiri Vasu v. State of U.P. and others (2008 AIR SC 907), the court highlighted that Section 482 CrPC is not the appropriate remedy for seeking the registration of an FIR, especially when alternative remedies are available within the statutory framework.
Moreover, the court pointed out a critical deficiency in the petition: the failure to specify any particular property allegedly grabbed by the accused individuals. This omission rendered the allegations vague and unsubstantiated, further weakening the petitioner's case.
Condemnation of Frivolous Allegations Against Judicial Officers
Justice Shekhawat expressed concern over the increasing trend of disgruntled individuals maligning the reputation of judicial officers when unfavorable judgments are delivered. The court emphasized that no litigant should be permitted to intimidate or browbeat the judiciary through unfounded allegations. The judgment stated, "Merely because the petitioner has chosen to appear in person, it does not give him a license to indulge in making such aspersions as he has the tendency to scandalize the Court in relation to judicial matters."
Imposition of Costs and Warning to the Petitioner
In light of the petitioner's conduct and the frivolous nature of the petition, the court dismissed the plea and imposed a cost of ₹25,000 on the petitioner. Additionally, the court issued a stern warning to the petitioner to refrain from filing such baseless petitions in the future, cautioning against any attempts to undermine the dignity of the judiciary.
Conclusion
This ruling by the Punjab and Haryana High Court serves as a stern reminder of the judiciary's intolerance towards attempts to scandalize or intimidate it through frivolous and contemptuous petitions. The judgment reinforces the principle that while the judiciary is open to scrutiny, such scrutiny must be grounded in substantiated facts and conducted with respect for the institution's dignity. The imposition of costs and the accompanying warning aim to deter similar conduct by litigants in the future, thereby preserving the sanctity and authority of the judicial system.
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