Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 16: The Supreme Court on Friday came down heavily on a petitioner for approaching it under Article 32 of the Constitution despite a related petition already pending before the Bombay High Court, terming the move a “gross misuse” of the judicial process.

A bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan observed that Article 32, which empowers citizens to directly approach the apex court for violation of fundamental rights, is increasingly being misused.

“Article 32 is being misused. The number of cases filed under Article 32 are exponentially being increased. For everything, one adjournment, file Article 32 here. Especially those surrounding Delhi are filing Article 32 petitions. What is this? It is a misuse,” the bench remarked.

The court expressed concern over the growing trend of litigants bypassing high courts and rushing to the Supreme Court even for minor grievances, including adjournments in ongoing cases.

Holding that the plea amounted to an abuse of both the process of law and the court, the apex court dismissed the petition.