Many poor in queue, can't allow 'luxury litigation' by rich: SC
The Indian Supreme Court has criticized wealthy litigants for engaging in 'luxury litigation' that clogs the judicial system and delays justice for the poor. The court imposed fines on two parties involved in an 11-year legal dispute, citing their misuse of court time for personal grievances.
Why it matters
This ruling highlights the ongoing struggle within the Indian judiciary to manage caseloads and prioritize access to justice for marginalized citizens.
NEW DELHI: At a time when poor litigants have to wait in line for years to get their plea heard, Supreme Court Friday disapproved the practice of influential people indulging in "luxury litigation", resulting in hearing of genuine cases getting delayed. It imposed a cost of Rs 5 lakh each on warring litigants for not approaching the court with "clean hands".A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta rejected the plea of actress Rehana Khan and her lawyer Rizwan Siddique who have been fighting legal battles for past 11 years before different forums, including Bar Council of India, Bombay HC and SC."Each of these parties has come to us complaining of a wrong, and each has been the author of a good part of it. Between them, they have occupied the time of the Bar Council, an HC and this court for 11 years.
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