The Supreme Court on Monday reduced the costs imposed on a petitioner who had filed a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging irregularities in a slum rehabilitation project in Mumbai, while cautioning against the misuse of judicial forums for personal grievances.

The petitioner, who identified himself as a journalist and a resident of the rehabilitation housing scheme, argued that the petition raised concerns of public safety, particularly the absence of a mandatory fire access road required under project approvals.

The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, however, noted that the petitioner’s family was itself a beneficiary of the slum rehabilitation scheme and observed that the High Court had already found that the PIL appeared to be motivated by personal interest.

“This was undoubtedly filed with an ulterior motive. There was deep-rooted personal interest, which the High Court has rightly exposed,” the court observed during the hearing.

When the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the matter while pursuing limited remedies regarding fire safety before the appropriate authorities, the court allowed partial relief but reiterated its concern over the misuse of judicial platforms.

“However, with a view to give one opportunity to mend his ways and not to misuse the judicial platforms with a view to blackmail people, we reduce the cost amount imposed by the High Court from ₹1.2 lakh to ₹50,000,” the bench said.

The court added that if the petitioner is found filing similar frivolous complaints in the future, the High Court would be at liberty to initiate appropriate action against him.