At least 40% Litigation by Centre And State Govts Frivolous: SC

The Supreme Court on Monday stated that at least 40% of litigation brought by the Central and State governments before courts is frivolous.

The remarked was made by a bench of Justice BR Gavai, Justice Vikram Nathand Justice Sanjay Karol when a counsel appeared before the court sought to mention a service matter.

“At least 40% of litigation by Centre and States is frivolous. Filing to deny 700 rupees per month to someone and spending 7 lakhs of taxpayer money,” the bench noted.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was present in court at the time, quickly responded, “We are now conservative.”

“We will disagree,” the bench responded.

In light of aforementioned observation, the Chief Justice of India (CJI), DY Chandrachud, recently stated that the Central government should use mediation to resolve legal disputes rather than resorting to litigation.

According to him, mediation is a process that involves resolving disagreements, bringing various stakeholders together, and finding a common ground.

“The motto of the Union government and its agencies should be ‘mediate, not litigate’,” the CJI stated.

It is being told that about 70,000 cases are pending in the Supreme Court alone. There are a total of 5 crore cases pending in various courts of India. A few days back, the Law Minister had said that in most of the cases, the government is the litigant. Kiren Rijiju had stressed on reducing the pendency of cases.

CJI DY Chandrachud said in this context that mediation is better than litigation. The government should open mediation centers where all the parties sit together and find a solution. As far as possible, a solution should be found in mediation centers only.  Taxpayers money should be saved for the development of the country.