SABU STEEPHEN Vs. UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Though this interlocutory application having Diary No.84327/2016 was lodged, being not maintainable, by the Registry on the ground that it relates to the conduct of other party appearing before the Court, on being mentioned by Mr. Anand Grover, learned senior counsel appearing for the person concerned, it was directed to be taken up at 3.00 p.m. and, accordingly, it was taken up. As the matter was mentioned at 2.00 p.m., we sought the assistance of Mr. Ranjit Kumar, learned Solicitor General and Mr. Dushyant Dave, the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association. Be it noted, at the time when Mr. Grover mentioned the matter, Mr. Gaurav Bhatia, the Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association also echoed the feelings expressed by Mr. Grover and sought leave to assist the Court. As the petitioner was present at that time, we fixed the time for hearing of the application at 3.00 p.m.

(2.) The petitioner has filed Writ Petition (C) No.805 of 2015, which pertains to the challenge to the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules of 2001, framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. It is appropriate to note here that the case was listed along with the bunch of writ petitions and special leave petitions that relate to culling of stray dogs. In the matter pertaining to culling of stray dogs, this Court heard the matter on 17th Nov., 2016.

(3.) Mr. Sabu Stephen, who has filed this interlocutory application, if we allow ourselves to say so, has crossed all sense of propriety, restraint, decorum and, in fact, demonstrated brazen sense of insensibility and insensitivity to the process of adjudication and dignity for women. When a public spirited person advocates for a cause which he feels is a public cause and this Court entertains the public interest litigation, more additional responsibility has to be cultivated by the petitioner. When we say responsibility, we mean responsibility to conduct the litigation and also to have a sustained effort to learn how to conduct in Court.