Supreme Court Dismisses Petition Seeking Guidelines To Protect Research Works From Plagiarism

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition seeking the protection of research done by scholars in the form of thesis to avoid its misuse or plagiarism.

A Bench of Justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna dismissed the plea while hearing the party in person noting that it wasn’t convinced.

“After hearing the petitioner in person, we are not convinced that the petitioner made out a case for interference. The writ petition will stand dismissed.”

The petitioner, a Ph.D holder in criminal psychology, who also claimed to have invented “a database in blockchain technology” sought to direct the Union Government to frame guidelines for protection of research done by the scholars in thesis so that it is not misused.

The Bench questioned him on the lack of clarity and grounds in the plea.

“From where did you get all these ideas and what are the grounds? You have not given any clarity at all…. What is this? Without any detail, we can’t be helping you”, it said.

The petitioner tried to answer the Court.

“I had undertaken research – “The Mystery behind the death of Princess Diana”. I had submitted that to my teachers. My teacher now can change my name, place his own name and publish it. Then no one would believe me”. However, the Court refused to entertain the submissions and rejected the petition.

Case Title: Ankur Bhaker vs Union of India | WP [C] No. 191/2023

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