The Madras High Court has taken a firm stance against a litigant, slapping him with a ₹50,000 fine for attempting to manipulate legal proceedings under the guise of public interest. In a decision dated August 5, the bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice PB Balaji dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Kannan Swaminathan, accusing him of personal vendettas and courtroom disruptions.
Swaminathan’s petition alleged corruption and misconduct within the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TNWSDB), calling for a Special Investigation Team to probe these claims. However, the TNWSDB countered with evidence that revealed Swaminathan’s personal interests: his brother, a contractor registered with the board, was disqualified from a recent tender, sparking Swaminathan’s grievances.
The High Court noted that Swaminathan had withheld these crucial details and demonstrated a lack of sincerity in his petition. Despite having legal representation, he persistently interrupted court proceedings and argued alongside his counsel via video conference, even after multiple warnings.
The judges underscored that Swaminathan’s actions failed to align with genuine public interest, instead serving as a platform for personal vendettas. This disruption and misuse of the court’s time and decorum led the judges to impose the financial penalty, payable to the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority.
Legal representations in this case included Advocate Thamizhanban for Swaminathan, Additional Public Prosecutor R Muniyapparaj, and Government Advocate Kishore Kumar for the state, alongside Advocate S Mekhala representing the TNWSDB.
