Gujarat High Court Slaps ₹25,000 Penalty on Litigant for Presenting False Statements

The Gujarat High Court dismissed a writ petition filed against the Surat Municipal Corporation and penalised the litigant 25,000 for presenting false statements in court documents.

The single-judge bench took a stern view of the misrepresentations after state representatives and counsel for the municipal body challenged the factual claims set out in both the main petition and a subsequent affidavit.

Unconditional Withdrawal Following Evidence

During the hearing, the Assistant Government Pleader produced an affidavit prepared by the local Mamlatdar and Executive Magistrate. The official document directly contradicted the petitioner's assertions, proving that key statements submitted to the court were false.

When confronted with the government’s documentary evidence, counsel representing the petitioner conceded that the statements could not be defended and sought permission to withdraw the plea without conditions.

Strict Penalty Ordered

Refusing to overlook the conduct, Justice Trivedi dismissed the petition as withdrawn while imposing a financial penalty to deter frivolous litigation and deliberate misrepresentation.

The court directed the petitioner to deposit the penalty of ₹25,000 with the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority within seven days of the order.