New Delhi: Coming down heavily on those filing ‘public interest litigations’, the Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed actor-environmentalist Juhi Chawla and others’ petition against implementation of the proposed 5-G transmission network in India, and, while terming it as an “attempt to gain publicity”, imposed a fine of Rs.20 lakh on the petitioners.
The court dismissed her plea against the hitherto ‘untested’ telecommunication technology in the country and imposed a fine on all the petitioners for “abusing the process of law”.
The petitioners had demanded research into the possible impact of radiation from 5-G waves on humans and other living organisms. They also sought certification from the department concerned that 5-G technology is safe for humans and other living organisms, including animals and birds, even for the future.
The court observed that Chawla had circulated the link to the virtual hearing on social media and the petition had been filed as an “attempt to gain publicity”.
During the hearing in the case on Wednesday, a man had started singing songs from Juhi’s films, prompting the court to warn of action against those who disrupted the proceedings.
The court said the actress’ lawsuit had no concrete basis and was filled with “unnecessary, scandalous and vexatious arguments”. She should have written to the government about the issue first, the court said, in order to avoid unnecessary litigation.
“The stand of the plaintiff is in utter disregard to the court fee law. One week’s time is given to rectify court fees,” the bench said.
Meanwhile, Chawla clarified that she did not want to ban 5-G technology in India. “What we seek from the government and the governing authorities is to certify to us and, therefore, to the public at large, that 5-G technology is safe for humankind and every type of living organism,” she said.
Chawla has been fighting a battle against radiation consistently since 2010.
(VP)
