MARY ANGEL vs STATE OF TAMIL NADU

The Supreme Court held that the High Court has the inherent jurisdiction under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code to impose exemplary costs on parties filing frivolous petitions, despite the absence of explicit provisions in Sections 148(3), 342, and 359. The Court emphasized that such powers are necessary to prevent abuse of the legal process and ensure timely justice. The appeal against the High Court's order imposing costs of Rs. 10,000 on each appellant was dismissed, affirming the High Court's decision.