SCAORA Condemns Litigant's Abusive Conduct In Supreme Court, Urges Action To Protect Dignity Of Judiciary
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association condemned a litigant's abusive conduct during Supreme Court proceedings, urged legal action to uphold the dignity of the judiciary, and cautioned against circulating videos of the incident
SCAORA issued a statement condemning the abusive conduct of a litigant before the Supreme Court and called for steps to protect the dignity and authority of the judiciary
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) on Saturday strongly condemned the recent incident in which a litigant appearing in person allegedly used abusive language, made disrespectful remarks and engaged in inappropriate conduct during proceedings before the Supreme Court.
In an official statement issued by its Executive Committee, SCAORA expressed deep concern over the incident, while appreciating the restraint shown by the Bench. The Association stressed that judicial patience should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness. "While placing on record its deep appreciation for the magnanimity, patience and restraint demonstrated by the Hon'ble Court, the Committee underscores that such judicial grace and forbearance must not be misconstrued as a lack of authority or resolve," the statement said.
The Association emphasized that the dignity of judicial proceedings and the mutual respect between the Bench, the Bar and litigants form the bedrock of the rule of law and the administration of justice.
Expressing concern over attempts to misuse court proceedings for publicity or to exert pressure on judges, SCAORA said such conduct amounts to a serious abuse of the judicial process. "The Committee notes with concern that attempts to misuse judicial proceedings through grandstanding, seeking publicity or exerting pressure on the Court constitute a serious abuse of the judicial process," it stated.
According to the Association, actions that seek to influence the course of justice through intimidation, sensationalism or publicity-oriented tactics undermine the sanctity of the Court and must be firmly discouraged.
SCAORA also urged the competent authorities to take appropriate action in accordance with law to uphold the dignity and authority of the Supreme Court and to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
The Association further objected to the recording and circulation of videos, messages and other material relating to such incidents, cautioning that such dissemination sensationalises judicial proceedings and erodes the dignity of the institution. "The Committee strongly disapproves of the recording and circulation of videos, messages or any other material relating to such incidents and calls upon all concerned to refrain from disseminating the same, as such circulation sensationalises judicial proceedings and undermines the dignity and sanctity of the institution," the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to the independence and authority of the judiciary, SCAORA said it would continue to oppose any attempt to undermine the judicial process.
SCBA and SCACA strongly condemned the incident
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Friday strongly condemned the incident and urged the Union government to frame guidelines regulating the recording, editing and circulation of courtroom proceedings and videos.
In a statement issued on July 10, the SCBA described the litigant's conduct before the Bench of Justices K.V. Viswanathan and Alok Aradhe as abusive and disrespectful, asserting that any attempt to abuse, threaten or disrupt judicial proceedings strikes at the very foundation of the administration of justice. "The dignity and majesty of the Court must be respected at all times. Any attempt to abuse, threaten or disrupt judicial proceedings is wholly unacceptable and strikes at the very foundation of the administration of justice," the statement said.
Separately, the Supreme Court Arguing Counsel Association (SCACA) also addressed a representation to the Chief Justice of India, condemning the incident and seeking stringent action against all those directly or indirectly involved in what it described as a conspiracy to undermine the judiciary. The Association alleged that selective circulation of courtroom clips and defamatory commentary on social media had become a recurring trend that threatened public confidence in the judicial institution.
Background of the case
The Bench was hearing a petition filed by Prabal Pratap, who was challenging an Allahabad High Court order refusing to interfere with a trial court's decision to treat his application under Section 173(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) as a private complaint.
At the outset, the petitioner identified himself before the Bench and, instead of making legal submissions, declared, "Mr. Judicial Servant, I order you to order the registration of FIR against ACP Vikas Nagar, Lucknow, and Duplex Technology... because I am the sovereign."
The Bench immediately questioned the petitioner, asking, "You are ordering?" and "You are ordering us?"
The petitioner continued his submissions before suddenly throwing a bundle of papers towards the Bench, scattering documents across the courtroom. Security personnel immediately intervened and restrained him as he shouted an abusive remark directed at the Chief Justice of India.
Despite the incident, the Bench declined to initiate any coercive or contempt proceedings. Pronouncing the order, Justice K.V. Viswanathan observed: "We do not propose to take any action against him. As far as the merits of the case are concerned, we have perused the records. We find no good grounds to interfere with the impugned order. The Special Leave Petition is dismissed."