Supreme Court lets off litigant who flung files, abused CJI inside courtroom

The Supreme Court on Friday chose not to take any action against a litigant who flung case papers inside a courtroom, hurled abuses at judges and verbally abused Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant before being escorted out by security personnel.

A Bench of Justices KV Viswanathan and Alok Aradhe observed that although the petitioner-in-person, one Prabal Pratap, had made “incoherent and unparliamentary utterances” instead of presenting his case, it would not proceed against him considering his condition.

The Court was hearing an appeal filed by Pratap challenging an April 2026 judgment of the Allahabad High Court.

At the very outset of the hearing, instead of advancing legal submissions, Pratap addressed the Bench in an unusual manner.

“Mr judicial servant, I order you to order the registration of an FIR against the Assistant Commissioner of Police of Lucknow,” he said.

Surprised by the remark, Justice Viswanathan responded, “You are ordering me? You are ordering us?”

Pratap then replied, “That is all from my side. Everything is on record.”

Moments later, the hearing descended into chaos. Pratap threw the case papers into the air, hurled abuses in open court and, while being escorted out by security personnel, also verbally abused the Chief Justice of India.

The Court’s order, uploaded later in the day, briefly recorded the incident.

“When this matter was taken up, Mr. Prabal Pratap, who appeared as petitioner-in-person on behalf of both the petitioners in this matter, instead of presenting the case, made incoherent and unparliamentary utterances.” it noted.

Despite the disruption, the Bench decided not to initiate contempt or any other proceedings against him.

“We have, however, considering the condition of the petitioner above named, do not propose to take any action against him.” the order read.

On the merits of the case, the Court found no reason to interfere with the Allahabad High Court’s decision.

“As far as the merit of this case is concerned, we have perused the records, we find no good ground to interfere with the impugned judgment/order(s). The Special Leave Petition is, accordingly, dismissed.” it noted.

[Read Order]