The Supreme Court of India on Friday lambasted lawyer Mahesh Tiwari, who had moved to the top court against a criminal contempt notice issued by the Jharkhand High Court after a heated argument with Justice Rajesh Kumar during a court proceeding.
The heated argument occurred on October 16, last year. The video of the exchange went viral online, where Tiwari told Justice Kumar to ‘not cross the limits’.
What SC Told Lawyer Over Criminal Contempt
The SC, however, berated the lawyer, as CJI said, "He just wants an order from the Supreme Court to show 'kya bigaad liya mera' (you could not do anything against me).”
The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, added, "If he wants to apologise, he should apologise... If he wants to show his eyes to judges, then he may go ahead. We are sitting here, and we will also see then.”
However, the SC also asked the Jharkhand HC to take sympatethic stand if the lawyer apologises.
What Is The Case?
Advocate Mahesh Tiwari had a heated argument with Justice Rajesh Kumar while seeking relief for his client in an electricity supply suspension case, where the electricity to a widow’s home was cut due to 1.30 lakh in dues.
During the hearing, Advocate Tiwari assured that his client was ready to pay Rs 25 thousand to facilitate supply restoration, but Justice Kumar said Rs 50 thousand was required to be submitted for the service restoration.
While the matter was solved after Tiwari agreed to have his client deposit Rs 50 thousand, the argument had turned heated, and Tiwari was served a criminal contempt notice.
Advocate Tiwari continued making remarks regarding the matter, although the court took next hearing.
Hence court asked the chairman of the Jharkhand State Bar Council to take cognisance of the advocate's conduct. Tiwari then stood and, pointing to the judge, he said, "I can argue in my own way, not in your way in which you say. Please mind that... Don't try to humiliate any advocate, I am telling you."
"You can't say the court is doing injustice," the judge shot back.
"Did I say it?" the lawyer said, indicating that it was another lawyer who used contmeptous line.
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"Please see the recording. I only prayed before your lordship... The country is burning with the judiciary. These are my words. Don't try to humiliate any advocate. You know a lot because you are a judge and we are advocates? I will argue in my own way. Don't cross the limit. Please, don't cross the limit. I have already practiced for the last 40 years," Tiwari said, and walked out.
Later, the five-judge bench issued a contempt notice against Advocate Tiwari.