Delhi HC Expunges Remarks Against Juhi Chawla In 5G Case, Reduces Penalty From 20L To 2L

The reduced penalty means that Juhi Chawla will have to some public work programs for Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA), the HC said.

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The Delhi High Court on Thursday expunged the remarks against actress Juhi Chawla that she filed a lawsuit challenging setting up of 5G network "for gaining publicity."

The HC also reduces costs imposed on Juhi Chawla from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, saying that "she didn't take up the 5G issue in a frivolous and casual manner."

The reduced penalty means that Juhi Chawla will have to some public work programs for Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA), the HC said.

In the appeal before the division bench of the high court, the actor and other appellants have contended that the single judge dismissed the plea and imposed costs without any jurisdiction.

5G Lawsuit | Delhi High Court's Division Bench reduces penalty on actor Juhi Chawla from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 2 lakh

Bench also expunges several observations made by Single Judge during dismissal of lawsuit filed against setting up of 5G wireless networks in the country

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It is claimed that a plaint can be dismissed only after it has been allowed to be registered as a suit.

In the lawsuit, the appellants including Juhi Chawla had claimed that if the telecom industry's plans for 5G come to fruition, "no person, animal, bird, insect and plant on earth will be able to avoid exposure, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to levels of RF radiation that are 10x to 100x times greater than what exists today".

It had sought direction from the authorities to certify to the public at large how 5G technology is safe to humans, animals and every type of living organism, flora, and fauna.

When the single judge dismissed Chawla's lawsuit, he said that it is "not maintainable" and was "stuffed with unnecessary Scandalous, frivolous and vexatious averments" which are bound to be struck down.

The judge had also said that Juhi Chawla and others filed the lawsuit 'to gain publicity'. He said that this was clear from the fact that Chawla shared the video link of the hearing on social media which resulted in disruptions.