GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2326

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 26^TH DECEMBER, 2018

FINE FOR UNNECESSARY LITIGATION 2326. DR. SHASHI THAROOR:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE 

be pleased to state:

• whether the Minister is aware that the Supreme Court of India had imposed a fine of Rs.1 lakh on the Ministry of Defence on two occasions for unnecessary litigation;

• if so, the details thereof and whether the Minister has ordered any inquiry to determine the reasons for the lapses on part of the Ministry, as indicated by the Court;

• if so, the details thereof, including the action taken based on such inquiry; and

• if not, the reasons therefor?

A N     S          W        E         R

• to (d): The Hon’ble Supreme Court in its orders dated 09.03.2018 and 24.04.2018 imposed a fine of Rs. 1 Lakh each in Civil Appeal Dy No. 4893/2018 titled Union of India vs Ex Nk Balbir Singh and Civil Appeal Dy No. 8754/2018 titled UOI vs Pirthwi Singh & Ors respectively. Both the Civil Appeals were filed in the Hon’ble Supreme Court as the orders of Hon’ble AFTs were in contravention of Government Rules/Policies. At the time of hearing of Civil Appeals in the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the issue was under consideration of the Government. Therefore, no enquiry was ordered. In pursuance of Hon’ble Supreme Court’s orders, sanctions have been issued in both the cases.

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