Uncomfortable Questions Posed During Judicial Proceedings Can't Be Regarded As Humiliation : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court observed that statements made in court, and even uncomfortable questions posed to parties, cannot be considered public humiliation, as these actions are necessary for the court to fulfill its duty of ascertaining the truth.

“During court proceedings, many statements are made and questions are posed which may make a person uncomfortable, but all such statements or questions cannot be misconstrued as humiliating a person. After all, it is the duty of the Court to reach the truth of the matter and such exercise may demand putting forward certain questions and suggestions which may be uncomfortable to some.”, the court observed.

A bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah heard the case, where the petitioner challenged statements and uncomfortable questions raised during writ proceedings in the Rajasthan High Court.

In essence, Petitioner No.1 had returned home, leading to the dismissal of a pending habeas corpus petition filed to secure her presence. However, during the proceedings, the police made statements alleging that Petitioner No.1 had divorced her husband and remarried.

After coming to know such fact, petitioner no.1 filed an application before the High Court seeking clarification from the police about the veracity of such statement made before the High Court.

The High Court initially allowed the request but later dismissed the petition as nothing remained to be adjudicated. The petitioner filed multiple applications for review and clarification, which were all dismissed.

Before the Supreme Court, Petitioner No. 1 alleged she was humiliated and defamed in open court due to statements made by the police.

Finding no merit in the petition, the Court found the petitioner's grievance of defamation and humiliation "totally misconceived”. The Court emphasized that court proceedings often involve uncomfortable statements and questions as part of the search for truth, and these cannot automatically be construed as humiliation.

Accordingly, the petition was dismissed.

Case Title: Smt. Dhanlaxmi @ Sunita Mathuria & Anr. v. State of Rajasthan & Ors.

Citation : 2025 LiveLaw (SC) 200

Click here to read/download the order