"He Dared To Call My Brother," CJI Surya Kant Condemns Man For Contacting Family In College Admission Case

Th Chief justice of India Surya Kant on Wednesday came down heavily on a petitioner before it in a case relating to college admission after learning that his brother had allegedly been contacted over a court order passed in the case.

CJI questioned the petitioner as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against the petitioner’s father, who is said to have made the call.

 “Why should there not be contempt proceeding against your client? He dares to call my brother on phone and tells how CJI has passed this order? He will dictate me?” the CJI said expressing sharp disapproval of the actions.

The bench further told the counsel to withdraw the petition. “You verify, and then as a counsel, first you should withdraw! Even if he hides out of India, I know how to deal with these kinds of people. Never ever dare to do it. I have dealt with these kinds of elements for last 23 years,” the CJI added.

Petitioner's counsel told the court that he was unaware of the alleged conduct of the petitioner’s father. He further apologized to the bench.

Court was hearing a plea filed by two candidates from Haryana seeking admission to a postgraduate medical course under the Buddhist minority quota at a medical college in Uttar Pradesh. The two candidates had claimed eligibility on the grounds that they had converted to Buddhism.

In January this year, a bench led by the CJI Surya Kant had expressed doubts over the genuineness of the claimed conversions and ordered an inquiry into the minority certificates submitted by the petitioners.

The Court today eventually adjourned the matter after noting that the State of Haryana is yet to file its compliance report pursuant to the earlier order by the Bench. "Let Additional Advocate General for the State of Haryana take instructions and submit a compliance report of our earlier order. If not, the Chief Secretary of the State of Haryana shall remain personally present in Court on the next date," the Court said.

Case Title: NIKHIL KUMAR PUNIA vs. UNION OF INDIA

Bench: CJI Kant, Justice Bagchi and Justice Pancholi

Hearing Date: March 25, 2026