Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh : The Chhattisgarh High Court made strong remarks during the hearing of a contempt matter, observing that the incident appeared to be an attempt to intimidate the court, which cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
Taking serious note of the report submitted by the district court, the High Court issued bailable warrants against the two accused involved in the incident.
After the completion of the hearing, the court directed the District and Sessions Judge to transfer the case to another court. The matter is related to a cheque bounce case pending before a court in Simga in Balodabazar-Bhatapara district, where proceedings are underway against accused Gajendra Singh.
In a complaint submitted to the High Court, the Principal District and Sessions Judge of Balodabazar informed that the two accused had disrupted court proceedings and handed over a written notice to the presiding officer during the hearing.
The notice reportedly contained insulting, abusive and defamatory allegations against the judge. During the proceedings, the accused also threatened that if they did not receive justice, they would extract petrol from a vehicle and commit suicide within the Simga court premises.
The matter was heard by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal. The bench observed that the conduct of the accused clearly indicated an attempt to pressure and intimidate the court. It further noted that their behaviour showed no genuine remorse and was contrary to the dignity of the judiciary.
The High Court directed the District and Sessions Judge to transfer the case from the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court to another court to ensure that the judicial process continues in a fair and fearless environment.
During the hearing of the contempt petition, the High Court emphasized that judicial discipline and decorum are paramount. The court warned that disrupting court proceedings and using abusive language against a presiding officer amounts to criminal contempt of court.
It was also reported that the two parties had threatened to commit suicide inside the court premises. Taking cognisance of the matter, the High Court issued bailable warrants against both individuals.
Later, the accused submitted written expressions of regret before the lower court. However, during oral submissions they argued that they were seeking “forgiveness” rather than offering an “apology,” stating that apologies are sought for mistakes, whereas forgiveness is sought from elders.
