Public Interest Litigations : Petitioners in Public Interest Litigations (PILs) to disclose their criminal antecedents
Court Directs Petitioner to Furnish Details of Pending FIRs
Chandigarh, August 8, 2025: In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has underscored the necessity for petitioners in Public Interest Litigations (PILs) to disclose their criminal antecedents. The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry, addressed the issue in the case of Satnam Singh Dhawan v. State of Punjab, setting a precedent for transparency and accountability in PIL submissions.
The court's directive arose following an objection raised by the State of Punjab, which highlighted that the petitioner, Satnam Singh Dhawan, had failed to disclose two First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against him. The state emphasized that this omission constituted a significant lapse, compromising the integrity and purpose of the PIL mechanism.
In its judgment, the court stressed the importance of transparency, asserting that any individual pursuing a PIL must provide a full account of their criminal record, if any. The bench ordered Dhawan to file a fresh affidavit containing comprehensive details of the FIRs pending against him. This requirement is not merely procedural but foundational to ensuring that PILs are not misused or driven by ulterior motives.
The bench's ruling is a reminder of the ethical obligations inherent in public interest litigations. By mandating disclosure, the court aims to prevent the misuse of PILs by individuals who may have vested interests or are attempting to divert attention from their legal issues. The court ordered that once the petitioner submits the affidavit, the details of his criminal antecedents should be verified by the court registry to maintain judicial integrity.
This case is slated for further hearing on August 27, 2025, providing Dhawan with an opportunity to comply with the court's directive. The ruling sets a crucial benchmark for future PILs, emphasizing that those who come before the court must do so with clean hands and full disclosure.
Legal experts have hailed the decision as a step towards reinforcing the credibility of the PIL system. By ensuring that petitioners disclose any potential biases or conflicts of interest, the court is safeguarding the principle that PILs should serve the public good and not individual agendas.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court's insistence on transparency highlights the judiciary's commitment to upholding the sanctity of public interest litigations, ensuring they remain a tool for genuine social change and justice.
Satnam Singh Dhawan v. State of Punjab, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc id # 2762243
