Lawyer Alleges Mistreatment by Justice Shyam Suman, Writes to CJI and Bombay HC Chief Justice

In her letter, Nedumpara recounts an incident on September 29, 2025, involving a case concerning an MSME borrower, listed before a division bench headed by Justice Shyam Suman.

Her senior, Advocate Mathews J. Nedumpara, was appearing online due to ongoing medical treatment in Cochin. Despite repeated requests, the court allegedly refused to unmute the senior counsel, preventing him from addressing the court.

According to Nedumpara, the judge made repeated statements that her senior “had offended the court,” without specifying the alleged wrongdoing. While her senior remained muted and unable to respond, Nedumpara attempted to clarify the situation, tendering an apology for any miscommunication. She claims that the judge reacted angrily, warning her that she would be “thrown out” of court and instructing security personnel to remove her.

“I was taken aback, truly insulted, by the manner in which the Hon’ble Judge addressed me, gesturing for security to take me out. I felt I enjoyed no dignity whatsoever, neither as a lawyer nor as a woman,” Nedumpara wrote in the letter. She emphasised that her tone and conduct were respectful throughout and that her only attempt was to seek clarification on the alleged offense.

Nedumpara highlighted that while lawyers are held to strict standards of courtroom conduct, judges are not similarly accountable for their actions. She warned that such behavior undermines the dignity of the legal profession and the authority of the courts.

The junior advocate also pointed out that the incident is not isolated, describing it as symptomatic of a broader culture in which junior lawyers and vulnerable litigants are often subjected to intimidation or disrespect in court. She drew parallels to minor procedural strictures in courtrooms, such as being asked to adjust posture or position to avoid displeasing judges, suggesting that such practices cultivate undue subservience rather than professional decorum.

Nedumpara framed her letter as a call for institutional introspection and reform, stating that junior lawyers, regardless of their experience or status, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. “Even the meekest, weakest litigant ought to be treated with dignity. Anything short of that brings disrepute to the institution,” she wrote.

While acknowledging the potential professional risks of raising such concerns, Nedumpara expressed faith in the leadership of the Chief Justice of India, urging the highest office of the judiciary to ensure that such treatment does not become normalized.

Letter Dated: October 16, 2025

Letter by: Advocate Maria Nedumpara