The Delhi High Court has ordered a detailed investigation into what it described as an apparent misuse of court proceedings after serious allegations surfaced that Public Interest Litigations (PILs) and related contempt petitions were allegedly being used to pressure property owners into paying money. Justice Mini Pushkarna directed the Bar Council of Delhi and the Delhi Police to examine the allegations and take action in accordance with law.
Background of the Case
The matter arose from three connected contempt petitions concerning alleged unauthorized constructions at various properties in Delhi. The petitions claimed that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had failed to comply with earlier court directions requiring action against such constructions.
During the hearing, however, the court's attention was drawn to a compliance report submitted by the Station House Officer (SHO), Police Station Malviya Nagar. The report contained statements suggesting that certain individuals may have used litigation as a means to exert pressure on property owners.
Court's Observations
Justice Mini Pushkarna noted that the material placed before the court disclosed "very shocking facts." Referring to the compliance report and submissions made during the hearing, the court observed,
"Perusal of the aforesaid Compliance Report clearly shows a nexus amongst different persons, for the purposes of misusing the process of the Court... and then approaching their owners, in order to extort money from them."
The court also recorded the statement of Narayan Kumar Kashyap, who appeared in person. He stated that he had signed only the original PIL and was unaware of subsequent proceedings. He further alleged that his signatures appearing on the later contempt petitions and additional affidavits were forged.
Taking note of these submissions, the court did not return any finding on criminal liability but considered the allegations serious enough to warrant an independent investigation.
Court's Decision
The High Court referred the matter to the Bar Council of Delhi for investigation against Advocate S.K. Shukla and Advocate Prashant Chauhan. It also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South District) to conduct an appropriate investigation in accordance with law and, if required, register an FIR.
The court further clarified that if the police discover the involvement of any other persons during the investigation, appropriate legal action should also be taken.
With these directions, all three contempt petitions were disposed of.
Case Details
Case Title: Naresh Chauhan v. Government of NCT of Delhi & Ors. (Connected Case)
Judge: Hon'ble Ms. Justice Mini Pushkarna
Decision Date: 21 July 2026
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