'Not allowed': Delhi HC raps petitioner for using 'Tom, Dick and Harry' in plea

A single-judge bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh was hearing a petition filed by Group Captain Atul Jain against the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday pulled up a petitioner for using "Tom, Dick and Harry" in the petition and said such language is not permissible in pleadings before the court.

"The said paragraph reads as under, '(f) The AA/NCLT cannot permit any person - Tom, Dick, and Harry' to represent and defend the respondent u/s-7 of IBC, as the rules do not permit it," the court noted. (HT File Photo)

A single-judge bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh was hearing a petition filed by Group Captain Atul Jain against the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), on the ground that wrong procedures are being adopted by these tribunals.

The petitioner was appearing in person. The court noted that the petitioner appeared to have drafted the petition on his own.

The court also noted that a perusal of paragraph 6(f) shows that there is slang language being used in this petition.

"The said paragraph reads as under, '(f) The AA/NCLT cannot permit any person - Tom, Dick, and Harry' to represent and defend the respondent u/s-7 of IBC, as the rules do not permit it," the court noted.

The court further said the petition is liable to be dismissed, however, the petitioner later wished to withdraw it.

"Such language is not permissible in pleadings before the court. Accordingly, this petition is liable to be dismissed. If the petitioner is, aggrieved by any order of the NCLT or NCLAT, he may draft a proper petition and only then, file the same," the court said.

The court added that the petition is dismissed as withdrawn with liberty to avail of his remedies in accordance with the law.

"Since the petitioner is appearing in person, this court is refraining from imposing costs at this stage," it said.