Misuse of litigation

#Misuse of litigation

The State of Kerala has developed an unhealthy habit of rushing to the Supreme Court for every administrative or political inconvenience. This turns the highest court of the country into a forum for settling partisan disputes.

 Instead of strengthening its own institutions, improving governance, or resolving issues through proper administrative mechanisms, the state repeatedly chooses litigation as its first response. This pattern has not only earned frequent criticism from the Court but has also exposed the government’s tendency to politicise routine administrative processes. The repeated failures and reprimands received in the Supreme Court clearly show that these appeals are not based on genuine constitutional concerns but are driven by narrow political motives.

This needless legal adventurism has come at a heavy cost to the public. Huge amounts of money are siphoned from the State Exchequer for court fees, travel, and the engagement of senior counsels  Yet the outcomes consistently embarrass the state, as most petitions end in dismissal or stern rebuke. Instead of introspection, the government continues to waste public resources on legally unsustainable and politically motivated petitions. 

At a time when Kerala faces financial shortages in essential sectors, diverting funds to fight pointless legal battles is irresponsible and unacceptable. The Supreme Court’s repeated criticism should have served as a warning, but the state’s persistent misuse of litigation shows a complete disregard for public welfare and administrative accountability.

-K A Solaman