In public interest litigation filed today, the Delhi High Court denied a request for the central government to award the Bharat Ratna to Ratan Tata, the industrialist of Indian origin.
As stated by a bench led by Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi, the court does not have the right to direct the authorities to award the highest civilian honour.
The bench also included Justice Navin Chawla asked "What kind of petition is this?" the bench asked. "Is this for the court to order (the government to award Bharat Ratnas)."
According to counsel for the petitioner, the court should ask the government "at least once.".
"Go make the request. Where is the question of the court stepping in?," added the Acting Chief Justice.
As soon as the court announced that it would dismiss the petition with costs, the petitioner's counsel withdrew the petition.
Rakesh, a social worker who claimed to be a petitioner, claimed that Tata deserves the Bharat Ratna because he has served the nation his entire life and as such, his life is unblemished.
The petition claims he has led a life of exemplary leadership and business management, inspiring millions of career aspirants worldwide.