15 days jail to advocate for contempt of court – SC

Apex court observed in recent case (P.R.Adikeshvan vs Registrar , Madras High Court D.D. 23th May 2022) that behaviour and actions of the appellant, a member of the Bar, were utterly contemptible. As evidenced by the camera footage, he attempted to hinder the administration of justice when the competent police authorities attempted to serve him non bailable warrant. The appellant is complicit in the obstruction of justice.

In Solvency proceedings Madras High Court issued non bailable warrant against the appellant. When police approached appellant to execute warrant, appellant and fifty other advocates barred them from executing the warrant. On that DCP reported the incident to Madras High Court and also produced video clippings of that incident. On that High Court by order dated 14th July initiated criminal contempt proceedings against appellant and issued notice. Also framed charge against appellant.

By the impugned judgment dated 25 March 2022, the appellant was held guilty of contempt and was sentenced to undergo two weeks of simple imprisonment and was directed to pay a fine of Rs 2000. The appellant was also barred from practicing as an Advocate in the Madras High Court for one year.

Aggrieved appellant moved appeal against the judgement to Apex Court and submitted his apology and requested to be accepted.

Apex Court observed that the Madras High Court judge who issued the non-bailable warrant has been accused of making frivolous accusations. In addition, one of the judges presiding over the proceeding was asked to recuse himself on entirely incorrect reasons.

Appeal Dismissed.

D.D:- May 23, 2022

P R Adikesavan  Versus The Registrar General, High Court of Madras and Another