New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a PIL issued by a social worker seeking a ban on Coca Cola and Thumbs Up who stated that these soft drinks are detrimental to health. The top court has regarded reasons stated in the plea as ‘extraneous’.
The man has also been fined an exemplary cost of Rs 5 lakh stating that ‘his counsel has failed to disclose “why two specific brands, in particular, are chosen to be the target of the proceedings and what the source of his assertions is.”
As per a report by Livemint, the bench headed by Justices D Y Chandrachud, also comprising Justices Hemant Gupta and Ajay Rastogi remarked that petitioner, Umedsinh P Chavda, through his petition has invoked the jurisdiction of the court under Article 32 of the Constitution, which appears to be an abuse of the process of law.
The bench further stated that the petitioner claims to be a ‘social worker’. “The affidavit in support of the petition states that the contents of the petition are true to the knowledge and belief of the petitioner. The petition has been filed without the petitioner having any technical knowledge on the subject. The source of his assertions has not been substantiated,” says the Livemint report.
Moreover, the petitioner, Chavda also sought the issuance of notification by the government advising people not to drink and use such soft drinks which are detrimental to health.
Besides, the PIL sought a direction to Centre to submit a complete analytical report and scientific approval by the scientists in providing license of sale and use of Coco-Cola and Thumbs Up.
The apex court has directed the petitioner to deposit the fine amount within one month with the SC registry and disburse it to SCAORA (Supreme Court Advocates-on Record Association).
