The Supreme Court on Monday saw a tense moment during the mentioning of a matter related to judicial appointments, when Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Advocate Mathews Nedumpara engaged in a sharp exchange in open court.
The advocate attempted to raise a plea seeking reconsideration of the collegium system and revival of the National Judicial Appointments Commission. However, the Chief Justice pointed out that no such petition had been officially filed or listed before the Court. He indicated that matters could not be taken up in the absence of proper registration and procedural compliance.
During the exchange, Nedumpara made remarks suggesting that cases involving influential corporate groups were being given priority while issues affecting ordinary citizens were not receiving similar attention. The Bench took strong exception to these observations. Expressing clear displeasure, the Chief Justice cautioned the advocate against making unsubstantiated allegations or casting aspersions on the functioning of the Court.
The Chief Justice also referred to previous occasions when the advocate’s conduct had come under scrutiny and warned that courtroom decorum must be maintained at all times. He made it clear that discipline and restraint are essential in judicial proceedings, particularly when constitutional matters such as judicial appointments are involved. The Bench indicated that appropriate action could be taken if the dignity of the court was compromised.
The episode underscores the Court’s firm approach in ensuring professional standards and maintaining decorum during hearings, especially in cases touching upon sensitive constitutional frameworks like the judicial appointments process.
