The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking a CBI investigation into the citizenship of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi while noting that PIL pleas were not meant to target one individual or organisation but was a medium to resolve human suffering through good governance.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India H.L. Dattu and Justice Amitava Roy rubbished the plea filed by advocate M.L. Sharma, putting searching questions to the latter about the source and authenticity of the documents attached to his petition. During the hearing, Chief Justice Dattu expressed his hope that the objective of PILs could one day be rescued by people with a “little sensitivity.”
A shocking account
In this context, the CJI narrated his shock at the dismal condition of inmates at a psychiatric facility for children he happened to visit. “There was one towel, one toothbrush and one toothpaste tube for all 49 children. They are there because their parents have refused to take them back... Now here is a case for a PIL... for directions to the District Collector to give 49 toothbrushes, 49 toothpaste tubes and 49 towels for these children... that is a PIL we want here. Not this,” CJI Dattu told Mr. Sharma.
When the latter persisted, CJI Dattu told him to stop, saying “I have two more days in office, don’t force me to impose exemplary costs on you.” He retires on December 2.
The controversy stems from BJP leader Subramanian Swamy's allegations that Mr. Gandhi claimed himself to be a British national before the authorities in connection with incorporation of a firm.
