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| High Court dismisses PIL seeking Govt control of Vishwayatan Yog Ashram | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 30: The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the National Human Rights Development Council of India. The PIL sought a direction to the government to assume control of the Vishwayatan Yog Ashram and ensure its utilization for the benefit of society and the public. The court further called for a thorough investigation into alleged misappropriation of the Ashram's property and actions against those responsible.
The Division Bench, composed of Chief Justice N Kotishwar Singh and Justice MA Chowdhary, emphasized the importance of distinguishing genuine 'Public Interest Litigation' from frivolous or vexatious petitions. Despite clear legal guidelines, the court noted a persistent influx of such petitions lacking substantial public interest.
After reviewing the case's details, the Bench concluded that the present matter did not fit the criteria of 'Public Interest Litigation', as outlined in legal precedents. The petitioner failed to establish significant public interest or address genuine public harm or injury. The PIL alleged misappropriation of public funds by private respondents related to the Vishwayatan Yog Ashram and requested government intervention. However, the court found insufficient grounds to warrant jurisdiction under the 'Public Interest Litigation' scope.
The Bench also highlighted that every instance of public funding or grant-in-aid does not automatically qualify as a matter of 'public interest'. Allegations that certain individuals misused the Ashram's funds and property were insufficient to establish a case of public interest. The court questioned the roles of other trustees in managing the Ashram's affairs and suggested that the petitioner should have first approached the relevant organization or department overseeing the Ashram's funds. Noting potential disputes among different factions associated with the Ashram, the court stressed that such matters should not be resolved through 'Public Interest Litigation'. Instead, the petitioner was encouraged to seek resolution through appropriate channels.
The decision reinforces the court's commitment to upholding the true spirit of 'Public Interest Litigation', safeguarding it from misuse and ensuring its alignment with genuine public concerns. |
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