The Supreme Court on Monday directed a lawyer to submit a written apology after he threatened to commit suicide during a virtual hearing if his plea in a criminal case was not granted.

A bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan expressed strong disapproval of the lawyer’s conduct, warning that such behavior could result in an FIR and possible suspension of his legal license.

During the proceedings, the lawyer, appearing via video conferencing, made the alarming statement, prompting Justice Oka to caution against using threats in court. The lawyer later exited the session but reappear in the virtual meeting to offer a verbal apology, citing emotional distress as the reason for his outburst.

However, the court insisted on a written apology to be submitted by March 7, emphasizing that such conduct is unacceptable from a member of the Bar.

The incident underscores the judiciary’s zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior and its expectation of professionalism from legal practitioners, even in challenging circumstances.