Dhirubhai Ambani was conferred Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award, posthumously this year for his "exceptional and distinguished" service to trade and industry. (AFP file photo)
Delhi High Court today refused to entertain a petition seeking direction to quash the government notification conferring Padma Vibhushan award in 2016 to late Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries Ltd.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath dismissed the plea saying no "public interest" was involved in the petition and it was filed to "malign" the person.
"How public interest is involved in this? This is not a public interest litigation. It is to malign the person. It does not require consideration," the bench said.
The petition, filed by advocate PC Srivastava, has also sought a direction to Kokilaben Ambani, wife of Mr Ambani, to return the "sanad" (certificate) and medallion of Padma Vibhushan which she had received on behalf of her husband.
Mr Ambani was conferred Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award, posthumously this year for his "exceptional and distinguished" service to trade and industry.
In the plea, the petitioner has alleged that Mr Ambani had not "rendered any exceptional and distinguished service" for which he was conferred with the award.