Superior courts will not interfere with high court orders in the absence of a compelling legal justification, and frivolous petitions by the state or parties may invite the imposition of costs.

Headnote:The present matter concerns a challenge by the state against a high court division bench order. The court observed that there was no valid reason for the state to approach the Supreme Court in this manner, as the impugned order did not warrant interference. The main issue was whether the petition met the necessary threshold for appellate interference. The ratio of the decision is that where a petition is filed without merit against an order that does not disclose an error of law, such petitions are liable to be dismissed with costs. The Special Leave Petition is dismissed with costs of Rs. 25,000 to be paid to the National Legal Services Authority.

Table of Content
1. assessment of maintainability of an appeal against high court orders. (Para 1 , 2 , 3 , 4)
2. imposition of costs and final disposal of the matter. (Para 5 , 6)

Delay condoned.

2. We have heard learned Additional Solicitor General for the Union of India and others.

3. We do not find any reason whatsoever to interfere with the impugned order.

4. We fail to understand as to why the Union of India and others have approached this Court by assailing the order of the Division Bench of the High Court.

5. We dismiss this Special Leave Petition with costs of Rs.25,000/-. The said costs shall be paid to the National Legal Services Authority, New Delhi within a period of three weeks from today.

6. Pending application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of.

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2026 Supreme(Online)(SC) 1644

SUPREME COURT OF INDIAB.V. Nagarathna, Ujjal Bhuyan, JJUnion of India – AppellantVersusSukhwinder Singh – RespondentSpecial Leave Petition

Superior courts will not interfere with high court orders in the absence of a compelling legal justification, and frivolous petitions by the state or parties may invite the imposition of costs.

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
B.V. Nagarathna, Ujjal Bhuyan, JJ
Union of India – Appellant
Versus
Sukhwinder Singh – Respondent
Special Leave Petition