'Place IT Returns Of Last 5 Years Before Us, Show Income Source' : Supreme Court Pulls Up Petitioner In 'Frivolous' PIL

The Supreme Court recently asked a petitioner, who filed a Public Interest Litigation, to place on record his Income-Tax Returns for the last five years, along with an affidavit of the source of his income.

This was after the Court formed a view that the petition was "frivolous" and was filed as a "publicity stunt."

"Before we impose exemplary cost on the petitioner-in- person for filing a frivolous petition purportedly in public interest, which is nothing more than a publicity stunt, we direct the petitioner to place on record his Income-Tax Returns for the last five years, along with an affidavit of the source of his income," observed the bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vijay Bishnoi.

The petition was filed by one Sabu Steephen against the Election Commission of India. The petitioner appeared as party-in-person.

Case : Sabu Steephen v Union of India WP(c) 1209/2025

Click here to read the order