‘Benches are formed for Adani-Ambani…’: CJI issues stern warning in open court over lawyer’s remarks
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The atmosphere in the Supreme Court of India turned tense on Monday during a hearing when Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant expressed strong displeasure over remarks made by an advocate. The lawyer alleged in open court that the judiciary was prioritising cases involving certain influential individuals. The situation escalated to the extent that the CJI issued a strict warning, asking the lawyer to maintain decorum before appearing and presenting any material in court.
Tension rises after mention of Adani and Ambani
During regular proceedings, Advocate Mathews Nedumpara made a statement that drew immediate objection from the CJI. According to reports, he alleged in court that special benches were being constituted only for industrialists like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, while significant matters such as challenges to the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) were not being heard. The CJI strongly reprimanded him and reminded him of courtroom discipline.
CJI warns advocate to remain within limits
Taking a firm stand, Justice Surya Kant cautioned the lawyer to be careful about the submissions made in his court. He made it clear that such conduct would not be tolerated. The CJI stated that the advocate had seen him in Chandigarh and Delhi and should not assume that such behaviour would be allowed to continue in court. He directed that such remarks must stop immediately.
Concern over declining standards of PILs
This was not the first time the CJI displayed strictness in court. Last Thursday, he had also expressed dissatisfaction over the poor drafting of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). He remarked that if such standards continued before the country’s highest court, it would be difficult to safeguard the law governing PILs. He had also earlier expressed concern over the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by lawyers for drafting petitions and had declined to hear a matter prepared in that manner.
Other key matters listed for hearing
Apart from this controversy, several important cases were listed before the Supreme Court on Monday. The court is scheduled to examine the serious air pollution situation in Delhi-NCR. A petition challenging the detention of Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk is also listed. Additionally, the court will hear pleas filed by Meta and WhatsApp challenging the ₹213.14 crore penalty imposed by the Competition Commission of India over their privacy policy.