**Supreme Court Condemns Attacks on Judges by Lawyers**
The Supreme Court of India has expressed strong disapproval of a growing trend among lawyers to target judges, particularly during a recent hearing concerning contempt allegations against a sitting judge of the Telangana High Court. Chief Justice BR Gavai, leading the bench, emphasized that High Court judges are constitutional authorities deserving of the same respect and immunity as their counterparts in the Supreme Court. Although the Supreme Court does not have administrative oversight over High Court judges, it has a responsibility to safeguard them from such attacks.
This case originated from a petition in which the petitioner, along with their Advocate-on-Record and drafting lawyer, allegedly made contemptuous remarks against the High Court judge. During a prior hearing, the Supreme Court had issued contempt notices, taking serious issue with the language used in the petition.
The Chief Justice rejected the lawyer’s apology and the request to withdraw the petition, cautioning, “You are inviting contempt against your client. As a responsible officer of the court, is it not your duty to exercise caution before signing such a petition?” The court reiterated that lawyers who draft and sign such petitions share equal liability for contempt.
In the latest hearing, the bench confirmed that contemptuous statements had indeed been made. The court has now allowed the respondent to submit an unconditional apology to the same High Court judge who issued the final order in the original proceedings. The previously dismissed plea will be reopened and presented to that judge within a week. The judge will then determine whether to accept the apology within another week, after which the Supreme Court will decide on further actions if the apology is not accepted.
**FAQ**
**Q: What was the Supreme Court’s stance on lawyers targeting judges?**
A: The Supreme Court condemned the trend of lawyers making contemptuous allegations against judges, emphasizing the need for respect and protection for judicial authorities.