HC imposes Rs 1 lakh fine for derogatory advertisement on DS Group

New Delhi, Oct 22 (UNI) The Delhi High Court today imposed a fine of Rs one lakh on Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group) for placing a defamatory advertisement that lowered the image of judiciary.

Justices Mukul Mudgal and Manmohan directed the business group to deposit the fine in account of an NGO, ''Bachpan Bachao Andolan'', for the welfare of children.

The advertisement was placed by the company on September 5, 2007 in a leading English daily with the punchline as -- ''Wanted a Legal head with qualifications - LLB, LLM or a retired judge having contacts with the judiciary.'' Lawyer Sunita Tiwari, who came across the advertisement, mentioned that to the Chief Justice of the High Court and a showcause notice was served against the company, asking them why a case should not be registered against them for placing such a defamatory and derogatory advertisement that lowered the dignity of the court.

The Court imposed the fine on the company after they tendered an unconditional apology.

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