"Why hurt Jain Community's sentiments?" Supreme Court Refuses Plea Seeking Research on 'Tamasic' Nature of Onion and Garlic

The Supreme Court has refused to entertain a petition seeking directions to conduct research on the tamasic nature of onion and garlic.

Dismissing the petition as frivolous, the bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi pulled up the lawyer, who appeared as party-in-person.

"Why do you want to hurt the sentiments of the Jain community? Next time you come up with this kind of frivolous petition, you see what we will do," CJI Surya Kant said.

The petitioner, one Sachin Gupta told the bench that his plea was based on an issue which is very common. "In Gujarat recently a divorce happened because of onions in food," he added.

As per Indian philosophy, food is classified into three categories: Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic. Tamasic foods dull the mind and body, promoting lethargy, while Rajasic foods stimulate energy and drive but can cause restlessness if overconsumed.

The court also dismissed another petition filed by Gupta which sought directions to ensure mandatory registration of properties.

Notably, this is not the first instance where the petitioner has been reprimanded by the Supreme Court. In 2023, the court had come down heavily on him for seeking a direction for reclassification of the caste system to eliminate discrimination.

A bench of former CJI DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha had observed that the plea was a clear example of a PIL which is an abuse of the process of the Court and must be discouraged by the award of appropriate costs. Accordingly, the bench had dismissed the Petition and directed that the petitioner shall pay costs quantified at Rs 25,000 to the Advocate’s Welfare Fund of the Supreme Court Bar Association.

Gupta had filed said plea invoking the jurisdiction under Article 32 of the Constitution for directing the Union of India “to frame a policy for reclassification of the caste system to eliminate discrimination within the spirit of constitution to make progressive democratic civilized society” and for other reliefs. Another plea by him in 2023 had sought for a direction to all States and Union Territories to frame a policy to phase out “reservation in gradual manner and make alternative policy”.

"You should study in law school properly, rather than filing such petitions under Article 32. You really think constitutional provisions should be struck down for such reasons..We should start imposing costs now..", CJI had said while dismissing the said petition.

Case Title: SACHIN GUPTA vs. UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

Bench: CJI Kant and Justice Bagchi

Hearing Date: March 9, 2026