SC no to PIL for action against Maha officials

Terming the plea as a “publicity interest litigation”, the Supreme Court on Friday junked a PIL seeking action against senior Maharashtra officials for alleged breach of protocol during the first visit of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai to Mumbai earlier this month.

A Bench comprising CJI Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih also imposed a cost of Rs 7,000 on petitioner Shailendra Mani Tripathi, a lawyer having seven years of practice, to be deposited with the legal services authority.

Following his oath as the 52nd CJI on May 14, Justice Gavai travelled to Mumbai on May 18 for a felicitation programme by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa. The CJI had disapproved of the absence of Maharashtra Chief Secretary, DGP or the Police Commissioner to receive him during his first visit to the state after being elevated to the top post.

Hours after the remarks went public, all three top officials were present at Chaityabhoomi, the cremation place of Dr BR Ambedkar at Dadar in Mumbai, when the CJI visited there to pay his obeisance.

CJI Gavai had said the “trivial issue” should not be blown out of proportion and that it should be given a “quietus”.