In a hearing took place today, the Supreme Court of India imposed a cost of Rs. 50,000 in a case under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016. The bench, comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma, expressed strong disapproval of the practice of challenging orders of withdrawal of anticipatory bail before the apex court.

The case involved where the anticipatory bail was previously withdrawn before the High Court. The Supreme Court, clearly displeased, observed that once a client opts to engage a senior advocate of such stature, there should be an expectation of responsibility and due diligence. Consequently, the Court dismissed the petition with a cost of Rs. 50,000.

When Senior Advocate Sidhartha Dave, requested not to impose cost, Justice Trivedi, addressing the matter, stated that the cost should be commensurate with the seniority and stature of the advocate involved. In a lighter vein, the bench remarked that had a junior advocate been engaged, the imposition of cost might not have been necessary.

The Court further emphasized that such practices of repeatedly approaching higher courts on withdrawn matters must be curbed. The bench’s remarks highlight the expectation of heightened accountability when senior advocates represent clients, urging a halt to unnecessary litigation.

Bihar Police has registered a cases under section 30A, 30(F), 47 OF the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016.