Vidhi Codex

The Maharashtra Vexatious Litigation (Prevention) Act, 1971

The Maharashtra Vexatious Litigation (Prevention) Act, 1971

General19714 sections

The Maharashtra Vexatious Litigation Prevention Act 1971 regulates individuals who habitually file baseless lawsuits. It applies to any person in the state of Maharashtra who repeatedly starts groundless civil or criminal legal proceedings against others. Under this law, the High Court can order that these designated vexatious litigants cannot institute or continue any legal cases without obtaining prior permission from a senior judge. This requirement ensures that court processes are not abused. Ultimately, this law matters because it prevents harassment of innocent citizens and stops the wasteful drain of valuable public judicial resources and court time on meritless legal disputes.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
  2. 2. Leave of Court necessary for vexatious litigant to institute or continue any civil or criminal proceedings.
  3. 3. Proceedings instituted or continued without leave to be dismissed.
  4. 4. Saving.

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