'What Kind Of Matter Is This?': Delhi High Court Refuses To Hear Plea To Award 'Bharat Ratna' To Industrialist Ratan Tata

The Delhi High Court today refused to hear a PIL seeking to award 'Bharat Ratna' to industrialist Ratan Tata. The plea sought the award citing Tata's invaluable service to the country and for leading an "unblemished life".

At the outset, the Division bench of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla made it clear that it is not for the Courts to decide as to who should be conferred the award.

"What kind of matter is this? Are we supposed to decide all this? You approach the government if you want. We can't interfere," the Bench orally said.

The PIL was filed by one Rakesh, claiming to be a social activist. He stated that Ratan Tata dedicated his whole life for the welfare of the country. In this regard, he highlighted how Tata has been a "great businessman" while also encouraging and investing with young entrepreneurs. The plea also highlighted his contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

ASG Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Centre, highlighted that plea had made Union's Chief Secretary as a party Respondent.

The Bench then warned of imposing cost, following which petitioner's counsel Advocate AK Dubey sought leave to withdraw.

Accordingly, the plea was dismissed as withdrawn.

The plea averred that total 48 people have been conferred the Bharat Ratna for their service to the nation and that there has been a long standing demand on social media to confer the honour on Ratan Tata.

"Ratan Tata is a great Businessman and under his leadership, the business-focused on global expansion. After retiring as Chairman of Tata Sons in 2012, Ratan Tata has been active in investing, in a personal capacity, in startups and encouraging young entrepreneurs. In March, 2020, Mr. Ratan Tata had pledged Rs.500 crore from Tata Trusts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic," said the plea.