Recently, the Supreme Court strongly disapproved of a lawyer's conduct during a virtual hearing, where he threatened to commit suicide if the court quashed an FIR registered against him. The Court warned the petitioner that such behavior would not be tolerated and could lead to serious legal consequences, including disciplinary action by the Bar Council.
The matter arose from a dispute between two lawyers in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. The petitioner had lodged a complaint against another lawyer, the president of a local bar association, alleging abuse and assault on December 18, 2017. Based on this complaint, an FIR was registered against the respondent, and a charge sheet followed. However, the respondent also filed a counter-complaint, which was initially closed as a “mistake of fact”. The respondent later pursued a protest petition, leading the Judicial Magistrate to take cognizance of the case against the petitioner under Sections 294(b), 323, and 506(i) of the IPC. The Madras High Court declined to quash the case against the petitioner, prompting him to challenge the order before the Supreme Court.
During earlier proceedings, the Apex Court had suggested an amicable resolution, advising the petitioner to reconsider his stance. However, his counsel refused to withdraw the case despite the respondent expressing willingness to apologize. During the latest hearing, the Court noted that the respondent had already issued apologies to the petitioner, the Court, the Bar Council, and the Bar Association. In response, the petitioner made an alarming statement “I will commit suicide, my lord.”
Justice Abhay S. Oka immediately intervened, questioning whether the petitioner was implying he would take such an extreme step if both complaints were quashed. The Court issued a stern warning, stating, “We are warning you. We will order registration of an FIR against you if you threaten the court. We will not tolerate such conduct by a member of the Bar. Two things will follow—one is the registration of an FIR, and secondly, this will amount to misconduct. We will ask the Bar Council to initiate proceedings against you and suspend your registration.”
The Court momentarily deferred the matter, directing the petitioner's counsel to advise him against making such statements. Justice Oka remarked, “Please tell him that such threats will result in an FIR. And please tell him that we don't get impressed with such threats.”
When the matter was recalled, the petitioner rejoined the virtual proceedings and expressed remorse. He stated, “My lords, I sincerely apologize. I was emotional.” In response, Justice Oka rebuked him, asking, “Is this how you represent your clients in court? Submit a written apology. After that, we will dispose of the case.”
The Court has scheduled the next hearing for Friday, allowing the petitioner to file a written apology and an undertaking that he would not repeat such conduct in the future. The Court made it clear that failure to comply would lead to legal consequences.
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