SC relief to NGO,fine cut to Rs 25,000

After being slapped with the highest-ever cost of Rs 40 lakh for filing a frivolous public interest litigation,the Bhrastachar Nirmoolan Sangathana (BNS) got relief on Friday with the Supreme Court reducing the fine to Rs 25,000.

The Bombay High Court had slapped the penalty on the NGO as it felt the litigation was without merit and abused the process of law. The division bench of Justices JN Patel and BR Gavai said the collector could initiate recovery proceedings if the cost was not paid in four weeks.

The NGO had alleged in the litigation that a building at the junction of Peddar Road and Vakil Lane had used up more floor space than permitted.

The NGO had challenged the HC order. According to lawyer Uday Warunjikar,the apex court was amazed at the heavy cost slapped. It asked the petitioners to deposit the reduced amount with the State Legal Aid Authority.