Supreme Court Warns Against Frivolous PILs, Orders ITR Disclosure in Sabu Steephen Case

• The Supreme Court issued a stern warning against 'frivolous petitions' filed for external publicity, citing the Sabu Steephen vs Union of India case.
• CJI Surya Kant rebuked the petitioner, stating such petitions are 'just for publicity' and questioned the petitioner's ability to pay imposed costs.
• To assess a financial penalty, the court directed Sabu Steephen to submit his Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the past five years.
• Sabu Steephen had previously filed a PIL in May 2024 regarding namesake candidates in elections, which the Supreme Court dismissed.
• The court questioned how individuals could be prevented from contesting elections due to similar names, citing Rule 22(3) of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, which addresses distinguishing candidates with the same name.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court cracks down on frivolous PILs, demanding ITRs to determine penalties for publicity-driven petitions.