Distribute Tea and Samosas To Bar Staff: Delhi High Court Waives ₹50,000 Fine on Litigant With Unusual Condition
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Justice Saurabh Banerjee of the Delhi High Court waived a ₹50,000 cost imposed on a company in a cheque bounce case, directing its counsel to distribute tea and samosas to all staff of the Delhi High Court Bar Association instead.
The bench passed the order while disposing of a modification plea filed by beverage firm Indus Birra Beverages seeking relief from financial penalties imposed in an earlier hearing.
Hidden Trial Court Order Triggered Fine
The legal dispute stems from a petition filed by Indus Birra Beverages seeking to quash criminal proceedings initiated against it under Section 138 read with Section 142 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
During an August 20 hearing, the high court dismissed the quashing petition and slapped a cost of ₹50,000 on the company. Justice Banerjee observed that the firm had suppressed a critical trial court order, making contradictory submissions across different judicial forums to secure a favorable verdict.
Indus Birra Beverages subsequently filed a review application accompanied by a plea to condone a six-day delay in submitting the waiver request, asking the court to re-examine the monetary penalty.
Court Swaps Financial Cost for Snacks
Taking note of the reasons outlined in the application, the high court condoned the six-day delay and agreed to recall the ₹50,000 cost. However, Justice Banerjee substituted the monetary penalty with a social gesture towards bar association workers.
"Considering the factual matrix involved, the present application is allowed and the cost of ₹50,000 imposed vide order dated 20.08.2026 is hereby waived," the court noted in its order.
The bench added a specific compliance condition: "Learned counsel for the petitioners is called upon to distribute samosas and tea to all the employees of Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) within a period of one week."
Legal Representation in Cheque Bounce Dispute
Senior Advocate Bahar-U-Barqi alongside advocates Rahul Pal and Subham Prasad represented Indus Birra Beverages in the high court proceedings. Advocate Mathur Arora appeared on behalf of the respondent, Ishaan Associates.
The directive gives the petitioner's legal team seven days from the date of the order to organize the refreshments for the bar association staff members serving inside the court complex
