'Withdraw Or We Will Dismiss With Cost': Delhi High Court On Plea Seeking Installation Of National Flag/ Statue Of Justice In Court Complexes

The Delhi High Court today refused to entertain a PIL seeking installation of Indian flags and statue of justice in court complexes across the national capital.

"Will you withdraw this petition or should we impose cost?" Chief Justice DN Patel said after hearing the Petitioner for some time.

At the outset, the Bench also comprising of Justice Jyoti Singh expressed displeasure at the vagueness of the prayers made. The same read as follows:

"Court may consider request in the the aspect of courage, confidence and reduction of crimes as statue of justice symbolizes fair and equal administration of the law, without corruption, favor, greed, or prejudice. As per the theory of criminilogies the spirit, patriotism, nationalism will emerges in the minds of an individual after observing the enthusiastic view of the courts and surroundings full with pride."

Counsel for the Respondents also stated that they are unable to assess the meaning of the prayer.

The PIL was filed by Rajkishore Prasad Kushwaha through Advocate Shrikant Prasad. On being asked to explain the relief sought, he submitted: "Placing of Indian flags and statue of justice inside courtrooms and at the entrance of court complexes will spread positive enthuastic force which will refrain offenders from committing criminal activities. My prayer not on aspect of Judiciary. We have full faith in the Judiciary. My prayer is in respect of criminals, etc."

"Is it (submissions) over?" the Court asked.

The counsel pressed, "Criminal activity is based upon what an individual observes around his surrounding he becomes attracted to that and if he will observe the national flag ,statue of justice in the court premises it will create a impression of becoming a good person."

He added, "Courts are Temples of justice and hence, there must be a statue of the god- the statue of justice."

"Now you have come to the zone of cost," the Court said after hearing the matter for some time.

The petition was dismissed as withdrawn "unconditionally".

Case Title: Rajkishore Prasad Kushwaha v. Union of India