Pay in dollars if plea is found frivolous, court tells NRI

GANDHINAGAR - The Gujarat High Court Monday told a non-resident Indian (NRI) petitioner to be ready to pay costs in dollars if his petition is dismissed on grounds of being a frivolous one.

The court was hearing a public interest petition (PIL) filed by Kolkata-based NGO People for Better Treatment (PBT) on the issue of former Medical Council of India (MCI) chief Ketan Desai’s election to the Gujarat University senate.

Kunal Saha, who filed the petition on PBT’s behalf, is based in the US. The court came down heavily on his counsel and sought to know the “intent and interest” in filing the PIL.

The court wanted to know from counsel as to what made Saha file a petition in public interest here.

“Did he not find anything worth public interest over there,” asked the court.

Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya told his counsel that if, after hearing the case, the petition is dismissed for lack of public interest and being a frivolous one, then the costs would be imposed in dollars.

Hearing in the case is slated for Dec 22.