'Distribute Samosas and Tea': Delhi HC Waives Penalty for Lawyers With a Catch - Here's Why
The Delhi High Court waived an INR 50,000 penalty in a cheque bounce case involving Indus Birra Beverages, directing the petitioner's lawyers instead to distribute tea and samosas to all Delhi High Court Bar Association employees within a week. The legal proceedings originated from a cheque bounce case involving the petitioner company.
In an unconventional judicial directive, the Delhi High Court has instructed counsel representing a petitioner to distribute tea and samosas to all employees of the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) as a condition to waive previously imposed monetary costs. The order, passed by Justice Saurabh Banerjee, offers a unique resolution to a procedural penalty stemming from a commercial dispute.
Background of the Dispute
The legal proceedings originated from a cheque bounce case involving the petitioner company, Indus Birra Beverages, alongside its corporate officials. The firm had approached the High Court seeking the quashing of a criminal complaint filed under the Negotiable Instruments Act, reports Bar and Bench. Urban Company vs Kent RO: Water Purifier Ads Spark Legal Battle in Delhi High Court.
During previous hearings on August 20, the Court dismissed the petition after observing that the applicants failed to make a full and proper disclosure regarding a preceding trial court order. Consequently, the bench imposed a cost of INR 50,000 on the petitioners for withholding relevant judicial information.
Modification of Penal Terms
Following the dismissal, the petitioners filed a fresh application seeking a complete waiver of the monetary penalty. Reviewing the matter on September 17, Justice Saurabh Banerjee allowed the waiver application but tied the relief to a community-oriented directive for the legal counsel. The Court outlined the modification in its order, stating: "The present application is disposed of, however, learned counsel for the petitioners is called upon to distribute samosas and tea to all the employees of Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) within a period of one week". Delhi High Court Denies Bail to Olympic Medalist Sushil Kumar in Sagar Dhankar Murder Case.
Legal Representation
During the hearings, Senior Advocate Bahar-U-Barqi appeared alongside advocates Rahul Pal and Subham Prasad representing the petitioner company and its officials. The respondent opposing the quashing plea was represented by advocate Mathur Arora. The petitioner's counsel must now fulfill the directive regarding the DHCBA staff within the stipulated one-week compliance window.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2026 11:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).