The Bombay High Court has imposed a fine of ₹5 lakh on a litigant for wasting over two hours of court time due to frivolous litigation.
Background:
The case involved a petition that the court found to be without merit, which resulted in unnecessary delays in the judicial process. The court had to allocate a significant amount of time to hear the case, which could have been used for more urgent matters.
Court’s Observation:
The High Court criticized the litigant for engaging in the legal process with a baseless claim. It emphasized the importance of using court time judiciously and the detrimental impact such actions have on the judicial system.
Ruling:
In addition to the ₹5 lakh costs, the court made it clear that any further frivolous litigation would lead to stricter penalties. The fine is intended to discourage unnecessary delays and ensure that court time is reserved for legitimate cases.
Conclusion:
This ruling underscores the court’s commitment to maintaining efficiency in the legal process and discouraging litigants from misusing the judicial system. The ₹5 lakh cost serves as a reminder to all involved in litigation about the consequences of wasting judicial time.