“Who Is the Biggest Litigant?”: Supreme Court Pulls Up Centre for Routine Appeals — A Legal Analysis
1: INTRODUCTION In a sharp rebuke to governmental litigation practices, the Supreme Court of India criticised the Union government for contributing to judicial backlog through routine and avoidable appeals . The Court imposed costs of ₹25,000 while dismissing a Special Leave Petition (SLP), highlighting the paradox of the State being both the largest litigant and a critic of judicial delays . 2: FACTUAL BACKGROUND Case concerned a CISF constable dismissed from service Charges included: Unauthorised absence for 11 days Alleged involvement in facilitating elopement of a colleague’s daughter Key Facts Absence occurred during sanctioned medical leave The woman involved: Appeared during inquiry Confirmed voluntary marriage with constable’s brother Stated no grievance 3: HIGH COURT FINDINGS The Punjab and Haryana High Court: Set aside dismissal order Directed: Reinstatement Continuity of service Division Bench Observations No perversity or illegality Punishment of dismissa...