Saturday, March 29, 2025
**Supreme Court Slams ‘Publicity Interest Litigation’, Fines Petitioner Rs 7,000 Over CJI Protocol Plea**
*New Delhi, May 23* — The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed over an alleged breach of protocol during Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai’s maiden visit to his home state of Maharashtra after assuming office, terming it a frivolous attempt for “cheap publicity.”
A bench headed by CJI Gavai imposed a cost of Rs 7,000 on the petitioner, stating that the plea lacked merit and was motivated by the desire for media attention rather than genuine public concern.
“This is nothing but a publicity interest litigation. Such misuse of judicial time cannot be permitted,” the bench observed before summarily rejecting the plea.
The court emphasized the need to protect the integrity of the PIL mechanism, warning against its misuse for personal or political gain.
The petitioner had sought action over an alleged breach in protocol arrangements during the CJI’s visit, a claim the bench found to be baseless and trivial.
