Advocate Apologizes For Abusing Lady Judge In Open Court: Allahabad HC Disposes Contempt Case After Imposing 2K Cost

The Allahabad High Court recently disposed of a contempt case against a lawyer who abused a lady judge in the open court after he tendered an unconditional & unqualified apology before the court/judicial officer.

The Bench of Justice Suneet Kumar and Justice Vikram D. Chauhan however imposed a cost of Rs. 2,000/- upon him to be deposited at the District Legal Services Authority, Mau. Further, the contemnor/advocate would be under observation with regard to his conduct and behavior for a period of two years.

Essentially, the Contemnor/Krishna Kumar Yadav, Adv was facing a charge in the contempt case against him as he had used some abusive words against a lady judge [Km. Aradhana Rani, Additional Principal Judge, Family Court No.1, Mau] in March 2019 while she was listening to the complaint made by one of the parties before the Court.

In the Charge framed against him by the High Court, it was categorically stated that by his conduct, he had insulted the court and had tried to lower the authority of the court and had also obstructed and interfered with the due course of the judicial proceeding.

Therefore, noting that he had committed criminal contempt of court, which is punishable under Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, he was called upon to submit your defence in respect of the above charge.

Initially, he filed an objection/counter affidavit to the charge raising preliminary objection with regard to the maintainability of reference/proceeding, denying the allegations and factum of the incident. However, he had also mentioned the fact that he had tendered unconditional apology to the concerned lady judge.

Later on, his counsel submitted that the he desired to withdraw the objection to the charge and tenders an unconditional apology. Pursuant to his, he apologised before the Court and stated that the he is a practicing lawyer having standing of 31 years in the District Court at Mau and therefore,his unconditional and unqualified apology be accepted and notice be discharged.

He pleaded for mercy with folded hands and assured the Court of good and appropriate conduct.

In view of this, the Court at the outset noted that his conduct was unbecoming of a practising advocate, more so, when he had been the former President of the Bar and put in 32 years of practice.

"It is not expected of a senior member of the Bar to indulge in derogatory and abusive language to the court, which seriously undermines the discipline and would encourage the other advocates to follow suit," the Court further added.

However, taking a lenient view in the matter, the Court imposed Rs. 2K upon him and disposed of the case. However, in the event, he does not deposit the fine within a month from date, he shall be precluded from entering the premises of the judgeship and appearing in any case for a period of six months. 

Case title - In-Re v. Sri Krishna Kumar Yadav, Adv
Case Citation:2022 LiveLaw (AB) 86

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