Delhi HC Drops Contempt Case Against Lawyer Over “Prosecutor Controls Court” Remark

The Delhi High Court has closed contempt proceedings against a lawyer who had alleged that a public prosecutor was exercising control over a trial court instead of the presiding judge.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice Manoj Jain decided to end the case after the advocate tendered an unconditional oral apology during the hearing.

“During the course of the hearing today, as noted already, he has tendered oral apology. Having heard him and keeping in mind the overall facts, his unconditional apology is hereby accepted, and resultantly, the contempt proceedings are directed to be closed,” the Court observed.

The matter began when the lawyer, during a hearing before a Delhi court, made a statement suggesting that the prosecutor had influence over the court. The concerned Additional Sessions Judge then referred the incident to the High Court under the Contempt of Courts Act for appropriate action.

Following the reference, the High Court issued a notice to the lawyer, who later appeared in person and apologised unconditionally. He clarified that in his twelve years of legal practice, he had never shown any disrespect towards the judiciary and that his law practice was his only source of livelihood for himself and his family.

Accepting his apology, the Bench decided to close the contempt proceedings.