Woman fined for filing frivolous pet retrieval petition

A woman in Orissa has been fined Rs 1,000 by the High Court for wasting the court's time. She is 52 years old and had filed a petition to get back her pet dog named Beauty. The dog was taken by her daughter-in-law during a house seizure on January 20, 2025, related to a dowry harassment case. The court, led by Justice S K Panigrahi, decided to impose the fine after the woman's lawyer requested to withdraw the petition. The judge ordered that the fine be paid to the Orissa High Court Bar Association Welfare Fund within 10 days. Before going to the high court, the woman had already tried to get her dog back by contacting the State Animal Welfare Board. Justice Panigrahi noted that the woman could seek help from the appropriate authority regarding her concerns. The court dismissed her petition, emphasizing the need for proper channels.