India, Nov. 11 -- The Supreme Court has strongly deprecated the practice of "forum shopping", observing that the mere existence of territorial jurisdiction in multiple courts cannot justify choosing a particular forum or perpetuate notions of hierarchy among high courts.

Allowing a transfer petition filed by Sai Maghalakshmi Traders and others, a bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan transferred a commercial suit pending before the Delhi High Court to the Madras High Court.

The bench noted that the defendants, Sai Maghalakshmi Traders, were based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, while the plaintiff, M/s Sri Lakshmi Srinivasa Agro Foods and others, had their principal place of business in Nelamangala, Bengaluru Rural District in Karnat...