Supreme Court Rebukes Lawyer Over Contempt Defiance
CJI slams Mahesh Tiwari for challenging Jharkhand HC notice, urges apology.
The Supreme Court on Friday strongly criticized advocate Mahesh Tiwari for approaching the top court against a criminal contempt notice issued by the Jharkhand High Court following a viral verbal clash with Justice Rajesh Kumar on October 16 last year. During the hearing, Tiwari had pointed at the judge and warned him not to “cross the limit” or humiliate advocates.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant remarked that the lawyer appeared more interested in obtaining an order from the Supreme Court merely to demonstrate defiance: “He just wants an order from the Supreme Court to show ‘kya bigaad liya mera’ (you could not do anything against me).” The bench made it clear that if Tiwari wished to apologize, he should do so sincerely before the high court, which could then take a sympathetic view. Otherwise, he was free to face the consequences.
The incident occurred when Tiwari was arguing for a widow client whose electricity connection had been disconnected over ₹1.30 lakh in dues. He initially offered ₹25,000 for reconnection, but Justice Kumar cited precedent requiring 50% deposit. Tiwari eventually agreed to ₹50,000, resolving the case. However, after the matter concluded, Justice Kumar made observations about Tiwari’s courtroom conduct and asked the Jharkhand State Bar Council chairman (present in court) to take note.
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Tiwari reacted sharply, stood up, approached the bench, and said: “I can argue in my own way, not in your way… Don’t try to humiliate any advocate… Don’t cross the limit. I have already practiced for the last 40 years,” before walking out. A five-judge bench of the Jharkhand High Court, led by Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, later issued the contempt notice.
The Supreme Court bench expressed disapproval of the lawyer’s approach, emphasizing respect for judicial authority while advising genuine remorse as the appropriate course.
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