Brothers fined for filing frivolous petition

NEW DELHI - The Delhi High Court Thursday imposed costs of Rs.75,000 on two brothers involved in a property dispute case for last 18 years, saying that no mercy can be shown to litigants filing frivolous applications in courts to delay judicial proceedings.

“No mercy should be shown to such type of litigants who have no other work but just to waste the time of different courts and create obstruction in the smooth functioning of the judicial system,” said Justice V.B. Gupta, passing the order on an application filed by Hansraj Sharma and his brother Hemraj who were engaged in the civil suit after their father’s death 18 years ago.

“Keeping in view the conduct of the petitioners that they still do not want the suit instituted about 18 years ago to reach its ultimate destination, they must be made to pay heavy costs for filing frivolous and bogus applications,” the court observed, adding the trial has only wasted the precious time of the court.

Justice Gupta came down heavily on the brothers for filing application after application at every stage.

“Petitioners also made false allegations against the trial judge by filing false and frivolous transfer application, which was rightly dismissed by the district judge,” the court said.

“Moreover, the petitioners tried to mislead this court also by filing wrong synopsis and incorrect dates of events,” it said, directing the brothers to deposit the money with the registrar general within four weeks and listed the matter for compliance Oct 7.