The Bombay High Court has imposed a cost of ₹5 lakh on a litigant for wasting over two hours of the court’s time. The penalty comes in response to a frivolous petition that unnecessarily prolonged the proceedings.
Background:
The litigant had filed a petition that the court found to be without merit, resulting in unnecessary delays during a scheduled hearing. The court expressed its dissatisfaction with the manner in which the petition was presented, as it caused a significant waste of judicial time and resources.
Court’s Rationale:
The Bombay High Court emphasized that filing unsubstantiated or frivolous petitions not only hampers the judicial process but also burdens taxpayers by consuming valuable court time. The court asserted that such actions would not be tolerated and that penalties would be levied to discourage similar behavior in the future.
Existing Measures:
While the court has the authority to impose costs on litigants for wasting time, this case highlights the growing trend of courts taking a firm stance against unnecessary delays. Courts are increasingly resorting to punitive measures to uphold the efficiency and integrity of the judicial process.
Conclusion:
The ₹5 lakh fine serves as a stern reminder to litigants to be more responsible when approaching the court. The decision also reinforces the importance of maintaining a balance between legal rights and the efficient functioning of the judicial system.