SC refuses to entertain PIL seeking removal of Savarkar portraits, warns of costs

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a PIL seeking the removal of portraits of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar from Parliament and other public spaces, warning the petitioner of exemplary costs before allowing the plea to be withdrawn. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi cautioned the petitioner, retired Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer B Balamurugan, against filing what it described as a frivolous petition and indicated that heavy costs could be imposed for wasting the court’s time.

“This kind of frivolous petition… shows the mindset,” the CJI said. The bench was irked by the petitioner’s submission that he could not come to argue the case in person because of financial constraints. “You were in the IRS. You can afford to come to Delhi and show yourself and argue. We would like to impose exemplary costs on you. What do you think of yourself?” the CJI said.

Calling the petition an abuse of the judicial process, the bench asked the petitioner whether he wished to proceed or withdraw the case. “Please don’t indulge in all this. Enjoy your retirement now. Have some constructive role in society,” the CJI remarked. Sensing the outcome, Balamurugan sought permission to withdraw the petition, which was granted.