In a recent hearing concerning anti-encroachment demolition drives, the Supreme Court witnessed a fiery exchange between Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. The court, in a lighthearted manner, urged the two lawyers to restrain their open display of "love and affection" towards each other during arguments.

The case revolved around the contentious issue of demolitions carried out to address illegal constructions. While vehemently presenting his case, Dave claimed that such demolitions had become a troubling trend, allegedly instigated by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders. Responding to this, Mehta commented that he couldn't match Dave's vocal intensity.

An amusing yet stern request from the Bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai and JB Pardiwala, asked both lawyers to exercise more decorum in their interactions. The judges humorously stated, "We will only request that you (Dave) and the Solicitor do not show your love and affection for each other so openly. Only requesting."

However, the heated exchange between the two legal minds continued. Dave retorted, "Show some manners. There is no other language he understands. Why are you showing that you are not deserving of this office?... At the instance of the BJP, the minority community is being targeted." Mehta promptly dismissed these claims as incorrect.

After the court concluded its proceedings, Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde added a touch of levity by quipping, "Let us keep the verbal bulldozers outside court."

Dave, in a parting shot, playfully remarked that despite their four-decade-long friendship, Mehta always insisted on characterizing his passionate arguments as mere shouting.

The Supreme Court had previously questioned whether it could issue a comprehensive order in a public interest litigation to prevent the Uttar Pradesh State authorities from taking action against illegal constructions. This query arose in a case brought forward by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, which challenged the recent demolition of houses and buildings carried out by State authorities in Prayagraj.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind filed its plea through Advocate Kabir Dixit, adding it to an existing case before the court, which had already issued a status-quo order on demolition drives in Delhi's Jahangirpuri. The recent demolitions were reportedly in response to protests against remarks made by BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma during a televised debate, which sparked international controversy.

Although the courtroom drama showcased a clash of legal minds, the Supreme Court remains committed to upholding the principles of decorum and fair discourse.