In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on a petitioner who raised objections to the oath-taking ceremony of the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, alleging it to be “defective.”
The petitioner, identified as Dr. Pankaj Kumudchandra Phadnis, approached the apex court with the contention that the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court did not adhere strictly to the prescribed wording of the oath as outlined in the Third Schedule of the Constitution. He further claimed that the Chief Justice had omitted the words “in the name of God” during the swearing-in.
However, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Surya Kant, found the plea to be “wholly frivolous.” In their judgment, they stated,
“The petition is not only wholly frivolous but is also filed for oblique motives.”
They further emphasized the importance of the judicial process, noting,
“The petitioner has made an utterly irresponsible allegation against the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.”
Dr. Phadnis, who described himself as a researcher and a trustee of a trust named ‘Abhinav Bharat,’ had previously filed petitions related to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The court observed that the present petition was an attempt to gain “publicity” and cautioned against the misuse of the judicial system for personal or ulterior motives.
Legal pundits opine that the Supreme Court’s decision and the consequent fine serve as a stern reminder against frivolous litigations and the potential misuse of the judicial platform. The judgment underscores the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining the dignity and sanctity of its processes.
