The Allahabad High Court proposed initiating contempt proceedings against a Senior Advocate who raised his voice at the judges during a court session. The court observed that such conduct by a learned advocate has the potential to scandalize the judiciary and lower the court’s dignity. The Bench emphasized that maintaining decorum is essential to preserving the respect and authority of the judicial system.
The Allahabad High Court expressed strong disapproval towards a senior advocate for shouting at the judges during a hearing.
In an order dated September 27, a Bench comprising Justices Brij Raj Singh and Sangeeta Chandra noted that Senior Advocate SC Mishra raised his voice at them after the Court declined to issue an interim order in his favour.
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The Court further observed that the senior lawyer made disparaging remarks against the Bench. As a result, the judges referred the matter to the High Court’s Chief Justice to initiate contempt of court proceedings.
The order stated,
“This conduct of a learned Senior Advocate has a tendency to scandalise and lower the dignity of the court. We, therefore, refer the matter to the Hon’ble Chief Justice, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad for drawing of Criminal Contempt proceedings against Shri Satish Chandra Mishra, learned Senior Advocate,”
The incident occurred during the hearing of a petition challenging the awarding of a tender by the Nagar Nigam (Municipal Corporation) in Lucknow. Senior Advocate SC Mishra represented the petitioner contesting the tender process.
On Friday, the Court noted that certain records requested from Nagar Nigam still not been submitted, despite previous instructions. The Court criticized the Municipal Corporation for its failure to provide the documents and scheduled further hearings for Monday, September 30, when the records must be produced.
The Court stated,
“This kind of conduct on behalf of the Officials of Nagar Nigam is not appreciated at all. It is not as if the record relating to the tender issued by the respondents is a confidential document and the respondents are seeking privilege over it,”
Senior Advocate SC Mishra, representing the petitioner, insisted on Friday that his client be granted interim relief despite the absence of key records that the Court requested from Nagar Nigam. The Court, however, not inclined to grant the relief at that time and indicated that it would pass an interim order on Monday, after reviewing the records.
Mishra objected strongly, raising his voice and demanding that the case be resolved that day.
The Bench then invited him to argue on the merits if he was insistent on an interim order being passed. However, Mishra refused, accusing the Bench of bias and stating that the Court could “pass any order as it pleases” or even “dismiss the matter, for all he cares.”
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Taking serious note of his conduct, the Division Bench referred the matter to the Chief Justice.
The order noted,
“We requested Shri SC Mishra, pointing out that he is a designated Senior Advocate and should avoid such arguments in Court, as it sets a poor example for the junior lawyers present. However, Shri SC Mishra did not heed the Court’s request and continued making accusations against the Court’s proceedings and imputing personal malice,”
Senior Advocate Satish Chandra Mishra, along with Advocates Sunil Kumar Chaudhary and Prafulla Tiwari, represented the petitioner.
Standing Counsel Sankalp Dewari appeared for the State, while Senior Advocate JN Mathur, along with Advocates BK Singh and Namit Sharma, represented the other respondents.
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