The Supreme Court chose not to initiate any proceedings against a litigant who created a disturbance during a hearing by throwing case papers, using abusive language against the judges, and allegedly directing verbal insults at Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant while being escorted out of the courtroom.
A Bench comprising Justices K.V. Viswanathan and Alok Aradhe observed that the petitioner, who appeared in person, failed to make any legal submissions and instead resorted to what the Court described as “incoherent and unparliamentary utterances.” Taking note of his condition, however, the Bench decided against pursuing contempt or any other action.
The matter arose from a Special Leave Petition filed by Prabal Pratap challenging an April 2026 judgment of the Allahabad High Court.
The hearing took an unexpected turn almost immediately after it commenced. Rather than addressing the legal issues involved, Pratap reportedly told the Bench, “Mr judicial servant, I order you to order the registration of an FIR against the Assistant Commissioner of Police of Lucknow.”
Reacting to the unusual statement, Justice Viswanathan asked, “You are ordering me? You are ordering us?”
The petitioner responded that he had nothing further to add, stating that everything was already on record.
Soon afterwards, the courtroom descended into disorder. According to the Court’s record, the petitioner tossed his case papers into the air, shouted abusive remarks in open court and continued using offensive language while security personnel removed him from the courtroom. During the episode, he also allegedly directed verbal abuse at the Chief Justice of India.
Recording the incident in its order, the Bench noted that instead of arguing the matter, the petitioner had made “incoherent and unparliamentary utterances.”
Despite the disruption, the judges decided not to initiate any punitive proceedings.
“Considering the condition of the petitioner,” the Bench observed, it did not consider it appropriate to take further action against him.
The Court then examined the merits of the appeal and concluded that there was no basis to interfere with the Allahabad High Court’s ruling. Finding no error warranting its intervention, the Bench dismissed the Special Leave Petition.
