The Supreme Court has expressed worry about the increasing trend of frivolous litigation, especially in matrimonial conflicts, where criminal law is misused for personal vendettas and coercion. Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan highlighted this issue while dismissing criminal proceedings in a POCSO case against a man and his family. The court emphasized that such misuse burdens the legal system and delays justice for genuine cases.
The apex court noted a rise in false criminal complaints in matrimonial and commercial disputes, often used as a means of harassment and manipulation. It pointed out that these tactics hinder the resolution of legitimate grievances by overshadowing them with baseless allegations. The court stressed the importance of distinguishing between genuine cases of oppression and those driven by malice or revenge.
Addressing the misuse of criminal provisions in matrimonial conflicts, the Supreme Court warned against a pattern where multiple laws are invoked simultaneously with vague and unsubstantiated allegations. The court cautioned that such tactics not only overburden the judiciary but also divert attention from valid cases, resulting in delayed justice delivery. It emphasized the need for a thorough scrutiny of allegations to prevent abuse of legal processes.
The judgment highlighted instances where serious charges under the POCSO Act are misused as pressure tactics in personal conflicts, including cases involving children. The court underscored the need for specific instances of criminal conduct to justify criminal trials, warning against the disastrous consequences of criminalizing domestic disputes without credible evidence. It called on lawyers to discourage false criminal proceedings and promote dispute resolution through legal means.
