Delhi High Court calls Juhi Chawla’s suit against 5G ‘defective’, says filed for publicity

New Delhi, June 2

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday termed as “defective” the suit of actress-environmentalist Juhi Chawla against setting up of 5G wireless networks in the country and said it was filed for “media publicity”.

The court also questioned Juhi for filing the suit without giving any representation to the government on her concerns related to the technology. Justice JR Midha said the plaintiffs, Chawla and two others, were required to first approach the government for their rights and if denied, they should come to the court.

The court, which reserved order on the suit after hearing the arguments of various parties, also asked as to why as many as 33 parties have been added to the plaint and said it is not permitted under the law.

“It is not the sweet will of the plaintiff to join as many parties and cause of action. Please see the memo of parties. Tell me how you have joined them. Every party cannot be arrayed in the suit,” the judge said.

The court added, “It is a defective plaint. This suit has been filed only for media publicity and nothing more than that. It is very shocking. Did you approach the government with a representation? If yes, is there any denial?” the court asked to which the plaintiffs’ counsel replied in negative.

The court said the plaintiff says, “I have personal knowledge of paragraphs 1 to 8 only.” “Plaintiff has no personal knowledge of the plaint. How can it be? Is the suit permissible when the plaintiff has no personal knowledge of the averment? Please conduct an inquiry,” the judge said. — PTI