Overview During a Supreme Court hearing on a land deal case involving the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority and Gaursons Mega Projects Private Limited , Justice Dipankar Datta observed that violence ( hinsa ), greed ( lobha ), desire ( kama ), and anger ( krodha ) have become the primary triggers for modern litigation in India. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant , concurred with this assessment, highlighting deep-seated issues within society and governance. Key Observations Triggers of Litigation: Justice Datta identified violence, greed, desire, and anger as the main drivers behind the surge in litigation. Judicial Perspective: The observations were made during a case concerning charges for sub-leases of land done without prior approval. Corruption Concerns: Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that officials are often complicit with private builders in subverting land laws. Ethical Crisis: Justice Datta expressed concern over the unmanageable extent of greed ( lobha ) in society. Judicial Limitations: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta acknowledged the limitations of judicial orders in curbing these negative qualities. Context of the Remarks The remarks were made in the context of a petition filed by the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority against Gaursons Mega Projects Private Limited . The case pertained to the imposition of charges for sub-leases of land conducted without proper authorization. This situation underscores broader issues of regulatory compliance and ethical conduct within the real estate sector. Implications for Governance and Society Justice Datta's observations point to a deeper malaise affecting Indian society and governance. The prevalence of violence, greed, desire, and anger as drivers of litigation suggests a breakdown in ethical values and a lack of accountability. The concerns raised by the Chief Justice regarding collusion between officials and private builders further highlight the challenges in ensuring fair and transparent governance. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to the UPSC syllabus under GS2 (Governance, Polity, Social Justice) and GS3 (Economy, Infrastructure) . It touches upon issues of judicial burden, ethical governance, corruption, and the rule of law. Understanding these aspects is crucial for aspirants preparing for the Civil Services Examination. Key Takeaways Ethical Governance: The need for promoting ethical conduct and integrity in public service. Judicial Efficiency: Addressing the root causes of litigation to reduce the burden on the judiciary. Land Law Reforms: Strengthening regulatory frameworks to prevent corruption and ensure fair land transactions. Societal Values: Emphasizing the importance of values such as honesty, compassion, and respect for the rule of law. Important Facts The observations were made by Justice Dipankar Datta in the Supreme Court. The case involved the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority . Chief Justice of India Surya Kant agreed with the observations. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta commented on the limitations of judicial intervention. The remarks were published on January 19, 2026 .