SCAORA condemns abusive conduct by litigant in SC, urges legal action to uphold court's dignity

New Delhi, Jul 11 (PTI) The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association on Saturday strongly condemned the alleged abusive conduct of a litigant inside the apex court's courtroom, saying such incidents undermine the dignity of the judiciary and the administration of justice. On Friday, litigant Prabal Pratap from Etawah in Uttar Pradesh, appearing in person, was forcibly removed from the apex court after he allegedly hurled abuses and threw his legal papers during the hearing of his petition challenging an Allahabad High Court order. In a statement, SCAORA said its executive committee had taken "serious note" of the incident in which a litigant appearing in person allegedly used abusive language, made disrespectful utterances and behaved inappropriately before the apex court. "While placing on record its deep appreciation for the magnanimity, patience and restraint demonstrated by the Hon'ble Court, the Committee underscores that such judicial grace and forbearance must not be misconstrued as a lack of authority or resolve," it said. It said attempts to misuse judicial proceedings through "grandstanding", seeking publicity or exerting pressure on the court amounted to a serious abuse of the judicial process and should be firmly discouraged. "Such conduct, which undermines the sanctity of the court and seeks to influence the course of justice through intimidation, sensationalism or publicity-oriented tactics, must be firmly discouraged," it said. The SCAORA urged that appropriate action be taken in accordance with law to uphold the dignity and authority of the court and ensure that such incidents were not repeated. The association also disapproved of the recording and circulation of videos, messages or other material relating to such incidents, saying such dissemination sensationalised judicial proceedings and undermined the sanctity of the institution. The incident occurred before a partial working day bench comprising justices K V Viswanathan and Alok Aradhe. At the outset, the litigant adopted an unusually confrontational tone. "Mr judicial servant. I order you to order the registration of an FIR against the ACP Lucknow," the litigant, who was wearing a black coat without a lawyer's band, said while addressing the bench. A security person immediately intervened, overpowered and removed him from the courtroom, allowing the proceedings to continue. PTI SKM SJK ZMN