Chief Justice (CJI) JS Khehar has walked the talk he has been associated with. He had warned that frivolous PILs would face strict censure, including fines, and that was what he did on Monday (July 10) at the Supreme Court.

In the court of the CJI and Justice DY Chandrachud was presented a PIL by Supreme Court advocate Ranvir Singh, praying that a writ in the nature of mandamus be issued, directing the Union of India to overcome discrepancies in the three pillars of government: the judiciary, executive and legislature.

The PIL said that all the laws and basic structure are colonial in nature which is very “undemocratic”.

The CJI was incensed, and asked: “Tell us, how much cost should we impose on this frivolous petition? This is a 160-page petition but we are unable to understand what you actually want.”

The petitioner said: “Parliament is bonded slave of colonial law.”

CJI: “How is it colonial? Our country has been free for more than last 60 years..”

Petitioner: “Your lordship should direct this petition to be listed before the executive members of political parties for disposal.”

The CJI ordered: “This petition invites our attention towards observations of Dr Ambedkar and other issues and we are very unhappy. We impose Rs 1 lakh to Supreme Court Bar Association within one month from today.

—India Legal Bureau