Court Clarifies Public Interest Litigation Cannot Be Used for Disciplinary or Criminal Actions Without Direct Aggrievement
In a significant ruling, the Patna High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Anand Legal Aid Forum Trust seeking disciplinary actions and criminal proceedings against certain police officers in Patna. The court, comprising Acting Chief Justice Sudhir Singh and Justice Rajesh Kumar Verma, clarified that PILs cannot be utilized by third parties to invoke disciplinary or criminal actions against individuals unless the aggrieved parties directly approach the court.
The petitioner had demanded the suspension of specific police officers, a judicial inquiry into an alleged police action, and compensation for victims purportedly injured in the incident. However, the court emphasized that matters related to employer-employee relationships, such as disciplinary actions, fall within the exclusive domain of the competent employer or disciplinary authority. The court pointed out that none of the alleged victims had approached the court, which reinforced the decision to dismiss the PIL.
The court's judgment underscored the principle that public interest jurisdiction, although broad, cannot serve as a tool for individuals who are not directly involved or affected to seek judicial intervention in disciplinary or criminal matters. The bench reiterated that individuals directly affected by such incidents retain the liberty to seek remedies through appropriate legal forums.
The PIL had also sought the preservation of digital evidence, the registration of an FIR against police personnel, and the quashing of FIRs against students allegedly involved in the incident. Despite dismissing the application, the court granted liberty to directly aggrieved individuals to pursue their cases through the appropriate channels.
The court's decision highlights the importance of direct aggrievement in matters where disciplinary or criminal actions are sought through public interest litigation, maintaining the integrity of judicial proceedings and proper legal channels.
Bottom Line :
Public Interest Litigation cannot be used to invoke disciplinary or criminal actions against particular individuals unless the aggrieved person directly approaches the court seeking relief.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 115, 117, 198, 201, 351, Section 321 Cr.PC, 360 BNSS
Anand Legal Aid Forum Trust v. State of Bihar, (Patna)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2962576
