The Supreme Court has recently issued contempt of court notices to two advocates involved in the case of Suman and ors v. State of Rajasthan and anr. The move comes in response to allegations made by the advocates that a judge from the Rajasthan High Court pressured them to withdraw their case.

A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta took action against the Advocate-On-Record (AoR) and the arguing counsel for what they deemed as obstructing the proceedings of the apex court. The bench noted instances where interruptions occurred during the dictation of orders, and even after the orders were passed, gestures were made exhibiting surprise.

The AoR in question, identified as Kuldip Singh, found himself under scrutiny alongside the arguing counsel for their involvement in the case. The petitioners had alleged that they faced pressure from Justice Anil Kumar Upman of the Rajasthan High Court to withdraw their plea filed under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

While the petitioners' claims were taken seriously by the apex court, it deemed the averments made as contemptuous in nature. The bench highlighted that under settled law, a lawyer who associates their signature with contemptuous observations is equally culpable for committing contempt of court.

Consequently, the Supreme Court issued notices to the two lawyers involved, as well as the individual who affirmed the pleadings in question. The notices call upon them to show cause as to why they should not face consequences for committing contempt of court. They have been given a month to respond to the notices.

The courtroom drama unfolded during the hearing on March 15, with a heated exchange occurring between the counsel and the bench. In response to the bench's admonition, one of the lawyers retorted, "This is not the way. Hum log aap se sikhte hain [We learn from you]." However, Justice Gavai swiftly responded, expressing the court's exercise of restraint and pointing out the gestures made during the dictation of orders.

Case: Suman and ors v. State of Rajasthan and anr,

Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal (Crl.) No(s). 3531/2024. 

Click to read/download order.