On Friday, the Supreme Court dismissed 25 Public Interest Litigations filed by an advocate appearing in person, after he sought to withdraw them at the outset. The Court used the moment to send a strong message to the Bar, stressing that indiscriminate PIL filing on broad policy issues burdens the system and must be preceded by meaningful engagement with authorities.
The matter arose when the petitioner placed a wide array of demands before the Court, ranging from language policy and food safety regulation to social reforms, judicial conduct on social media, and even suggestions on national symbols and consumer products. However, before arguments could proceed, the petitioner chose to withdraw all pleas.
The bench, led by the Chief Justice, took note of the sweeping and policy-heavy nature of the petitions, indicating that such issues are better addressed first at the administrative level rather than directly invoking the Court’s jurisdiction.
The Court underscored the need for responsible litigation, observing that members of the legal profession must act with discernment. In a pointed remark, the bench stated, “You should approach the authorities… instead of rushing to the court,” adding that petitions should come before the Court only after due analysis and failed recourse elsewhere.
Emphasising judicial discipline and efficiency, the Court accepted the withdrawal and dismissed all 25 petitions.
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