Frivolous PIL dismissed, lawyer fined Rs 1 lakh

The Supreme Court on Thursday had to forcibly evict a lawyer from the court room after he refused to stop arguing despite the court slapping a fine of Rs 1 lakh for filing a “frivolous” PIL against Gujarat governor Kamla Beniwal.

The Supreme Court on Thursday had to forcibly evict a lawyer from the court room after he refused to stop arguing despite the court slapping a fine of Rs 1 lakh for filing a “frivolous” PIL against Gujarat governor Kamla Beniwal.

A bench of justice HL Dattu and justice AK Dave summoned the security guards after advocate Ashoke Pande continued to argue even as the court asked him to stop.

The guards were called in an hour after Pande argued his PIL, demanding setting up of a Constitution bench to hear his matter.

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The time given to Pande was more than what is normally given in matters that are mentioned before the court as urgent cases. Court's persistent reminder to Pande did not yield any effect and the advocate continued with his repetitive arguments.

Fed up with his behaviour, the bench dismissed his petition and imposed the cost, saying the plea is “misconceived” and “misleading” causing “wastage of court's precious time.” Pande, however, continued to make his submissions even after the bench dictated the order. But, on realising his mistake, he sought an apology with folded hands.

Pande had approached the apex court challenging Gujarat high court order dismissing his PIL for recall of the governor and slapping a penalty of Rs 25,000 on him for frivolous litigation.