Court: ‘PILs are to help poor, not to resolve individual disputes’

Dismissing a plea directing the Administrator General and Official Trustee, to take possession of land and administration of 268 acres in Chrompet belonging to Ida L Chambers based on a deal struck way back in 1968, said, “This Court fails to understand as to how this instant PIL is maintainable. The petitioner by this PIL has in fact sought for a declaration of title of the properties.”

Further noting that a PIL cannot be converted into a suit, the bench said,”The Supreme Court, has time and again, observed that there is, in recent years, a feeling which is not without any foundation that PIL is now tending to become publicity interest litigation or private interest litigation and has a tendency to be counterproductive.”“PIL is not a pill or a panacea for all wrongs. It was essentially meant to protect basic human rights of the weak and the disadvantaged. The procedure was innovated allowing a public-spirited person file a petition in effect on behalf of such persons who because of poverty, helplessness or economic and social disabilities could not approach the court for relief,” the bench said.

Regarding the plea with a checkered history of over 50 years, the bench said “There is no public interest involved. This Court cannot conduct a roving enquiry on disputes, which arise between parties inter se. This Court is also surprised as to how the petitioner has managed to obtain documents, to file this instant Public Interest Litigation. Therefore, there is something much more than what meets the eye.”

“In view of the fact that a criminal complaint has already been filed, and for the reasons stated supra, this Court is not inclined to entertain this public interest litigation. It is for the Administrator General and Official Trustee, herein to take whatever steps as required under law, for compliance of the order dated August 23, 1968,” the bench added before dismissing the plea.

The petitioner had submitted that the lease of the said property to an Educational Trust, was not permissible under law.

Based on this, he sought for a direction to the Administrator General and Official Trustee, to take possession of land and administration of 268 acres,belonging to deceased Ida L Chambers.