SC says petitions filed to use top court as a platform to ‘embarrass’ States ahead of polls

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday, February 20, 2026, rejected the petitioner trend to use the Supreme Court as a platform to “embarrass” State governments ahead of the Assembly elections.

The Chief Justice, who headed the three-judge bench, said the petitions filed by private parties and NGOs were designed to put the State governments in a difficult position. In the process, the petitioners drag the Supreme Court into political turmoil.

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Chief Justice Kant said the petitions ring warning bells in the court because their timing (usually in the run-up to an election) is “often questionable.”

The court was hearing a petition filed by an NGO called Human Rights Foundation regarding the installation of PVC flexible sheets in Kerala, where elections are being held this year.

“The problem is that whether it is Kerala, State ‘A’ or State ‘B’, people have started fighting political battles in the Supreme Court. All this to embarrass the State governments. To create some difficult situations for them,” Chief Justice Kant said.

The Chief Justice said such petitions amounted to “hindrance to election campaigns”.

“The timing of such petitions is questionable. Now look, Kerala elections are approaching, petitions are being filed to restrain the State from doing this, petitions are being filed to restrain the State from doing that… How many states do you want us to restrict,” asked Chief Justice Kant.

The court said it was aware of its role and would not issue orders on such matters unless judicial intervention was required.

The NGO’s lawyer said the violations continued despite repeated interventions by the Kerala High Court. The Supreme Court had recently directed the Kerala government to ensure compliance with restrictive orders on indiscriminate use of PVC flexibles.

The state government had submitted to the Supreme Court that it had issued orders and circulars banning 100% PVC flexibility for advertising purposes in public places. He had insisted on the use of polyethylene recyclable banners, which are certified by the Pollution Control Board to be PVC-free and have the recyclable logo. Flexible cards will bear the name of the printing unit and the certification number/QR code from the PCB.

The state government has also submitted that the Kerala Municipal Corporation (Erection of Arches and Billboards in Public Streets and Public Places) Rules, 1999 provide adequate restrictive measures on installation of billboards.

While the apex court refused to entertain the NGO’s petition, it gave freedom to the NGO to approach the Kerala High Court.