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Synopsis

In a recent ruling, the Allahabad High Court imposed a fine of Rs. 25,000 on a petitioner who sought to challenge the findings of the Full Bench of Lokpal of India in a complaint filed by him.

The petitioner, who identified as an employee of Bharat Immunological and Biological Corporation Limited, filed a complaint with Lokpal of India against several high-ranking officials of the corporation. This complaint alleged their involvement in various irregularities concerning appointments, promotions, and the approval of substandard quality polio vaccines. Furthermore, the officials were accused of obtaining reimbursements based on fraudulent taxi bills.

The Full Bench of Lokpal of India examined the complaint and directed the Union of India to conduct an inquiry and take necessary action accordingly. Nevertheless, when the petitioner submitted another complaint to Lokpal of India, it was ultimately rejected following a detailed order from the Full Bench.

An Allahabad High Court division bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar and Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi made it clear that, in the writ jurisdiction, the court should not reexamine findings of fact that have already been thoroughly considered by the Full Bench of Lokpal of India.

Court asserted that once a complaint has been rigorously examined and rejected by the Full Bench of Lokpal of India, it should not be generally reevaluated by a writ court. This position aligns with legal precedent, which generally does not support maintaining a writ petition on behalf of a complainant.

As a result, the writ petition submitted by the petitioner was dismissed, and a fine of Rs. 25,000 was imposed on the petitioner.

This decision highlights the significance of respecting the findings and conclusions of specialized bodies such as Lokpal of India, discouraging frivolous litigation, and reinforcing the principles of efficient and effective legal proceedings.

Case Title: Jhamman Singh v. Union Of India And 5 Others