Supreme Court Declines Interim Relief to Petitioners Challenging LIC IPO

The bench said that the issue raised is regarding the enactment of the law as a Money Bill that is already pending.

The Supreme Court on Thursday, 12 May, declined to grant interim relief to petitioners challenging the amendments to Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) Act by Finance Act of 2021, which facilitated the LIC Initial Public Offering (IPO).

A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud said, "We are of the view that no case of interim relief has been made out. No interim relief granted."

The top court declined to interfere with the LIC IPO process at this juncture. A bunch of policy holders had moved the apex court alleging violation of the LIC Act.

"In matters of IPO, the court will be reluctant in granting interim relief. It is about investments," said the bench also comprising Justices Surya Kant and PS Narasimha.

What Does the Petition Say?

The counsel for a petitioner said the amendments to the LIC Act, seriously affects the interest of participating policyholders and the amendments should not have been carried out through Money Bill. A counsel argued 'what is the legal character of LIC' and added that it is a mutual benefit society converted into a joint stock company.

The bench noted that the petitioners' counsel argued that the process that led to the enactment of the LIC Act was on the basis that it was a Money Bill.

The bench said that the issue raised is regarding the enactment of law as a Money Bill, and the same is already pending before the top court, therefore the case will be tagged along with the pending matter. The top court issued notice in the matter.

The counsel representing the Centre contended that the Money Bill was passed 15 months ago, and the petitioners can't come to court so late.

One of the petitioners had initially moved the Madras High Court challenging provisions of the Finance Act, 2021 and the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) Act.

The plea argued that the acts were introduced by way of a Money Bill under Article 110 of the Constitution, even though the amendment did not fall in the category of a Money Bill.