In a resolute stance against frivolous litigation and undue harassment of the underprivileged, the Supreme Court of India has delivered a robust judgment, reprimanding the State of Rajasthan and imposing a substantial fine of Rs. 10,00,000/- (Ten Lakhs only) for its mistreatment of a struggling litigant.

The case revolves around a laborer who had been embroiled in legal battles for an excruciatingly long period, spanning over two decades, in his quest to claim the rightful benefits awarded to him by the Labour Court in 2001. Despite successive rulings from both the Single Bench and the Division Bench of the High Court in favor of the laborer, the State of Rajasthan persisted in its obstinate refusal to comply with the court orders, forcing the aggrieved party into a relentless cycle of litigation.

The bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, minced no words in denouncing the state's actions as reprehensible and unjust. Terming the state's plea as nothing short of frivolous, the bench expressed its profound dissatisfaction with the egregious conduct of Rajasthan, which callously compelled the impoverished litigant to endure prolonged legal battles to secure the benefits rightfully owed to him.

"It is unfortunate that the State of Rajasthan has been harassing the poor litigant, a part-time laborer, who was extended benefits by the Labour Court in the year 2001. For the last 22 years, he has been litigating. This is totally a frivolous petition," remarked the Supreme Court.

In a landmark decision underscoring the sanctity of justice and the imperative to protect the vulnerable from undue exploitation, the Supreme Court swiftly dismissed Rajasthan's plea while simultaneously levying a hefty penalty of Rs. 10,00,000/- to be paid to the aggrieved party within four weeks. Additionally, the court mandated the state to furnish proof of payment within six weeks, underscoring the gravity of its admonition.

Case: State Of Rajasthan & Ors. v. Gopal Bijawat,

Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No(s). 3398/2024. 

Click to read/download order.