The Supreme Court of India recently opted not to pursue any disciplinary measures against a litigant who caused a disturbance by throwing case files and using profane language within the courtroom. This incident occurred in the presence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and resulted in the litigant being removed by security personnel. The judicial Bench, consisting of Justices KV Viswanathan and Alok Aradhe, acknowledged the inappropriate behavior but chose leniency due to the litigant’s condition.
Judicial Proceedings and Courtroom Incident
The case involved an appeal filed by Prabal Pratap, who was challenging a verdict delivered in April 2026 by the Allahabad High Court. Right at the beginning of the hearing, instead of presenting legal arguments, Pratap addressed the judges in an unconventional and disrespectful tone. He demanded, “Mr judicial servant, I order you to order the registration of an FIR against the Assistant Commissioner of Police of Lucknow.”
Justice Viswanathan, taken aback by this directive, retorted, “You are ordering me? You are ordering us?” Pratap replied, “That is all from my side. Everything is on record.” The situation escalated as Pratap threw case papers into the air and verbally insulted the Chief Justice, leading to his removal from the courtroom.
Supreme Court’s Decision
The Court’s official order later reflected the chaotic incident. The order stated, “When this matter was taken up, Mr. Prabal Pratap, who appeared as petitioner-in-person on behalf of both the petitioners in this matter, instead of presenting the case, made incoherent and unparliamentary utterances.” Despite the disruption, the Bench decided against initiating contempt proceedings or other legal actions, citing Pratap’s condition as a reason for restraint. “We have, however, considering the condition of the petitioner above named, do not propose to take any action against him,” the order further noted.
Dismissal of the Appeal
In regard to the case itself, the Supreme Court found no justification for overturning the Allahabad High Court’s ruling. “As far as the merit of this case is concerned, we have perused the records, we find no good ground to interfere with the impugned judgment/order(s). The Special Leave Petition is, accordingly, dismissed,” the Court concluded.
