On December 9, the Supreme Court of India levied an exemplary cost of Rs. One Lakh on the School Education Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu for contesting a former sanitation worker's pensionary benefits. Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Hrishikesh Roy presided over the division bench.

"(We) are inclined to dismiss the application seeking condonation of delay as also these petitions with the imposition of exemplary costs where unnecessarily this matter relating to pensionary rights of a Sweeper-cum Sanitary Worker is sought to be dragged in further litigation",

The Court directed the State Department to deposit the funds in the Supreme Court Employees Welfare Association's welfare fund within four weeks. The Bench also stated that the application for a stay of proceedings cannot be accepted. According to the State government, the delay was caused by the time it took to obtain a legal opinion and translate certain documents. "...and the petition seeking special leave to appeal against that order is also delayed by a period of 154 days. The application seeking condonation of delay in filing special leave petitions is bereft of any cogent reason for such a delay...However, no sufficient cause is shown."

The Bench also allowed the petitioners to recover their costs from the individuals/officers responsible for pursuing and sanctioning such "frivolous" petitions.

Case Title: The Principal Secretary & Ors. Petitioner(S) V. K. Lakshmanan & Anr. 
Citation: Diary No(s). 34957/2022
Link: https://main.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2022/34957/34957_2022_7_36_40483_Order_09-Dec-2022.pdf