A petitioner who filed public interest litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court of India challenging the hike of petrol and diesel prices almost on a daily basis was warned by the apex court on 8th September.
The bench comprising Justices R.F. Nariman, Navin Sinha and Indira Banerjee warned the petitioner of having to pay a heavy fine if he continues to argue the case.
“Do you want to argue this case because if you do, we will impose heavy costs,” the bench said to Shaji J. Kodankandath, the counsel of the petitioner.
The PIL was filed by a Kerala-based advocate contending the unreasonable hike in fuel prices, despite drop in crude oil price, and also sought the centre’s direction in reducing the prices.
Reportedly, courts usually refrain from conducting judicial review of economic policy decisions, given that the same falls under the executive domain.
The court finally dismissed the PIL as withdrawn.