Rajasthan High Court Imposes Penalty on Annapurna Medical Training for Forum Shopping
Court Condemns Disreputable Practice of Bench Hunting; Orders Petitioners to Pay Rs. 1 Lakh Each
In a significant judgment delivered on 25th September 2025, the Rajasthan High Court, presided over by Mr. Justice Sameer Jain, imposed a penalty of Rs. 1 Lakh each on Annapurna Medical Training (College of Nursing) and other petitioners for engaging in forum shopping and bench hunting. The judgment highlights the misuse of territorial jurisdiction where petitions were filed at the Principal Seat, Jodhpur, instead of the Jaipur Bench, without valid justification.
Justice Jain condemned the practice as a "disreputable practice" and an abuse of the process of law, emphasizing the need for stricter scrutiny by the Registry to prevent misuse of jurisdiction. The court directed that the costs imposed must be deposited with the Rajasthan Legal Service Authority within two weeks.
The petitions, which arose from districts under the jurisdiction of the Jaipur Bench, lacked specific pleadings establishing cause of action in Jodhpur. Despite this, they were filed at the Principal Seat, Jodhpur, leading the court to categorize the actions as bench hunting. The judgment noted that such practices violate the essence of the Indian legal system and delay justice due to administrative technicalities.
The court referenced a series of precedents where similar practices were condemned, including cases like Dhanwantri Institute of Medical Science v. State of Rajasthan and Harsh Shiksha Evam Seva Sanasthan v. State of Rajasthan. It highlighted previous judgments where penalties were imposed for similar misconduct, further illustrating the gravity of forum shopping.
Justice Jain has referred the matter to the Chief Justice for further directions and ordered the Registrars of both the Principal Seat and Jaipur Bench to supply statistics on petitions filed without compliance with jurisdictional guidelines. Additionally, the Advocate General has been appointed as amicus curiae to assist the court in addressing this issue comprehensively.
The judgment serves as a stern warning against bench hunting and forum shopping, reiterating the importance of adhering to jurisdictional norms to uphold the integrity of the legal system.
Bottom Line:
Territorial Jurisdiction - Filing of petitions at the Principal Seat, Jodhpur, instead of Jaipur Bench without valid justification constitutes bench hunting and forum shopping, which is a disreputable practice and abuse of the process of law.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226 of the Constitution of India
