The Supreme Court witnessed an unusual courtroom exchange when a petitioner allegedly used abusive language during proceedings and addressed the bench in a derogatory manner. Despite the incident, the court chose not to initiate any action against him and instead decided the matter on its legal merits.
The petitioner, identified as Prabal Pratap, reportedly referred to the two-judge bench of Justice K.V. Viswanathan and Justice Alok Aradhe as "judicial servants" during the hearing. He also made remarks directed at the Chief Justice of India, leading to a tense exchange in the courtroom.
In its order, the bench stated that it would not take action against the petitioner for his conduct.
"We, considering the condition of the petitioner, do not propose to take any action against him," the bench observed.
After examining the case, the judges found no reason to interfere with the matter before them.
"The special leave petition is accordingly dismissed. All pending applications for permission to appear and argue in person and permission to file petition(s) shall also stand disposed of," the order stated.
The court did not elaborate on the specific circumstances it referred to while mentioning the petitioner's condition.
The incident comes months after another courtroom controversy involving a senior advocate. In October last year, advocate Rakesh Kishore allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe toward Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai during court proceedings over remarks made by the Chief Justice in a separate case. Following the incident, the Bar Council of India suspended the advocate from practising law.
The latest episode has once again drawn attention to courtroom decorum and the balance courts maintain between preserving judicial dignity and ensuring access to justice. In this instance, the Supreme Court chose not to pursue contempt or other proceedings against the petitioner and disposed of the case based on its legal merits.
Sources: Hindustan Times
