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Synopsis

The Bombay High Court recently imposed a cost of ₹2 lakhs on a Nanded man, Mohan Chavan, for filing a frivolous petition against former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray. 

A single judge bench of Justice S.G. Mahare heard the petition, where Chavan claimed that his religious sentiments were hurt after Thackeray refused to apply ash (vibhuti) offered by a priest during a function. 

Mohan Chavan had initially filed a private complaint against Uddhav Thackeray, which was dismissed. Subsequently, he approached the Bombay High Court, challenging the dismissal. 

The high court, however, not only dismissed Chavan's petition but also imposed a cost of ₹2 lakhs, emphasizing that such frivolous petitions tarnish the image of respected members of society. 

The court further noted that petitions of this nature are often filed with ulterior motives, which undermines the integrity of the judicial process.

The bench added that in such cases stringent costs should be imposed for abusing the process of law.

The bench directed the petitioner to write a demand draft in the name of the former chief minister Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, go personally to his home and deliver it to his hand or to the person whom he directs.

The high court asked the petitioner to pay Rs. 2 Lakhs to Thackeray within 3 weeks otherwise stringent action would be taken against him. 

Case title: Mohan Uttamrao Chavan vs State of Maharashtra & Anr