NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has cautioned that the growing practice of citing "non-existent" or incorrect judgments has emerged as a "rampant menace" affecting courts not only in India but across jurisdictions globally.
Emphasising the need for heightened vigilance in judicial proceedings, a Bench of Justices Rajesh Bindal and Vijay Bishnoi made the observation while hearing a special leave petition (SLP) filed by Heart and Soul Entertainment Ltd. against certain remarks made by the Bombay High Court regarding the alleged citation of a non-existent judgment.
Flagging the seriousness of the issue, the apex court observed: "However, the fact remains that this menace is rampant in all Courts now, not only in India, but throughout the world. Everyone needs to be careful about this."
The bench also noted that the issue is already under consideration on the judicial side, indicating a broader institutional concern.
During the hearing, the Director of the petitioner company, appearing in person through video conference, submitted that he wished to press the plea only with respect to the Bombay High Court’s observations.