On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court reprimanded a lawyer for filing a petition against the showcasing of anti-tobacco warning messages in movies and TV programs. The Court further instructing the lawyer to submit an affidavit expressing regret within a span of two days.

The Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna's bench directed the lawyer to submit an affidavit expressing regret within a two-day period.

“He must give an affidavit of regret for what has happened, then we will expunge these observations'', the Court said.

Case Brief -

The Court, hearing the lawyer's appeal against a previous single-judge ruling that dismissed his petition, affirmed complete alignment with the single-judge's decision, stating that the petition was entirely misconceived.

In dismissing the lawyer's petition, the single-judge had noted that it appeared to be supported by the tobacco industry lobby, aiming to impede government efforts in raising awareness against tobacco.

While cautioning the advocate about submitting frivolous petitions in the future, Justice Subramonium Prasad also expressed the view that the petition warranted dismissal with significant exemplary costs.

The division bench additionally commented that the petition seemed to favor the tobacco industry. Nevertheless, the counsel representing the appellant (advocate) countered this assertion, stating that such alignment was not the intention behind the petition.

The Court emphasized the necessity for a resolute approach, referring to the misuse of public interest litigation by the lawyer, stating that the situation demanded a strong response. Directly addressing the appellant, the Court advised, "It's essential to make a course correction. It's too early to begin in this manner."

Following the counsel's statement of intent to file an affidavit expressing regret for submitting the petition, the Court scheduled the matter for subsequent deliberation on December 7.