Sabarimala: Kerala HC slaps BJP leader with ₹25,000 fine for wasting court’s time

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday, December 4, rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by BJP against the alleged police action in Sabarimala.

Additionally, the court also imposed a fine of ₹ 25,000 on the BJP general secretary of Kerala Sobha Surendran for the baseless accusations against the police in the petition. Surendran’s lawyer apologised in the court and withdrew the petition.

In the PIL, Surendran alleged that the state police was harassing and intimidating the pilgrims visiting Sabarimala. she also alleged that many Ayyappa devotees have been put in prison on fake cases during the last 40 days

The court found that the petition was “baseless” and was filed for “seeking publicity”. The court also questioned Surendran’s lawyer whether the petition was a publicity stunt.

In response to this, Surendran’s lawyer expressed desire to withdraw the petition. The court allowed the withdrawal with a fine of ₹25,000 to Kerala Legal Services Authority, for misusing court’s time with baseless accusations.

However, Surendran has made up her mind to move to Supreme court regarding the matter and said she was unaware of the her lawyers apology and has refused to pay the fine.