The J&K and Ladakh High Court has imposed ₹2 lakh in exemplary costs on a litigant for repeatedly filing vexatious petitions against judicial officers, calling it a “habitual abuse” of the judicial process.

Hearing a petition alleging misconduct against multiple judges, the Court noted that the petitioner had previously filed similar complaints, all dismissed, yet continued to bring fresh petitions with the same accusations. Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul observed that such actions undermine public confidence and strike at the foundation of the justice system.
Citing Supreme Court rulings, the Bench said frivolous litigation is a serious menace that must be deterred. The Court dismissed the petition as frivolous, directed recovery of costs within four weeks, and flagged the matter for consideration of guidelines to prevent repeated misuse of legal remedies.