Supreme Court initiates contempt of court against lawyer for derogatory remarks against Court

Court room 11 of Supreme court witnessed rare histrionics today as contempt of court action was initiated against advocate Nisha Priya Bhatia after she made derogatory remarks against the Bench..Bhatia was appearing in item 9, which the court proceeded to adjourn since the composition of the Bench was only for today and some part-heard matters had to be given preference..Bhatia took objection to the same and started shouting at Justice Rohinton Nariman who was on the Bench along with Justices AK Goel and UU Lalit..“Ms. Nisha Priya Bhatia made derogatory remarks against the court. In spite of being warned that her remarks amount to contempt, she persisted and dared the court to take action against her.”.The Court noted that her conduct amounts to contempt in the face of the court. However, it said that it is not punishing her straightaway, instead it proceeded to issue notice to her. She has to file an affidavit within two weeks explaining her conduct..“In our view, her conduct amounts to contempt in the face of the court. However, instead of straightway punishing her for contempt, we deem it appropriate to issue notice..Let an affidavit be filed by her explaining her conduct within two weeks from the date of receipt of notice.”.The Court also appointed Ranjith Kumar and Mukul Rohatgi as amicus curiae in the matter to assist the court..Read the order below.