The Delhi High Court has discharged a lawyer in a criminal contempt case, taking a compassionate view after he tendered an unconditional apology.

The Division Bench of Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Dharmesh Sharma cautioned the lawyer against engaging in aggressive behavior in court in the future.

"The Respondent, who is a lawyer shall ensure in the future not to indulge in any such aggressive behaviour in the Court," the Court said.

Facts of the Case

The contempt proceedings were initiated based on a reference made by the Principal Judge, Family Courts, Patiala House, in October 2024. The lawyer was accused of misbehaving with the Family Court during proceedings in a matrimonial case.

On December 9, 2024, the High Court had issued a show cause notice to the lawyer, asking why contempt action should not be taken against him.

During the hearing on January 22, 2025, he expressed regret and stated that his only concern had been the prompt adjudication of an application under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

Court's Observation

The Court was also informed that the lawyer was undergoing treatment for a serious medical condition. Considering his health and his assertion that he had no prior history of misconduct in court, the bench accepted his apology.

“After having perused the order by which the contempt reference has been made and after considering the unconditional apology, which has been tendered today and the medical condition of the Respondent, the Court takes a compassionate view of the matter and accepts the apology of the Respondent,” the bench stated.

While closing the proceedings and discharging the contempt notice, the Court directed the lawyer to refrain from any aggressive behavior in future court appearances. "The proceedings are closed and the contempt notice is discharged. In view of above, matter is disposed of accordingly," the Court ordered

Cause Title: Court on its own motion v. Prashant Jain [Cont. Cas. (Crl) 17/2024]

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Justice Prathiba M SinghJustice Dharmesh Sharma

Sukriti Mishra

    Sukriti Mishra was a Legal Correspondent at Verdictum. She covered the Supreme Court. She completed her graduation with BA. LL.B (Hons.) from The ICFAI University, Dehradun. Sukriti started covering courts in March 2022. She had previously worked with another legal news portal, where she covered the Delhi High Court and Trial Courts.