In what way can you threaten the court that you would take your own life if we do not let you pray? We will approach the Bar Council to suspend your license and file an FIR,” said Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan.
A lawyer who was in court today threatened to commit suicide if his petition in a criminal case was not granted. The court enraged, directed him to present a written apology if he did not wish a police case filed against him and his license suspended.
“How can you threaten the court that you would commit suicide if we do not let you offer your prayer? You are a lawyer. We will request suspension of your license and file an FIR to the Bar Council,” said the Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan bench. The court ordered the lawyer to issue a written apology by March 7 or else.
The threat of suicide by the lawyer came about from a petition — Ramesh Kumaran and another v. State. Petitioner Ramesh Kumaran, who is a member of the Bar, appearing through video conference, asserted that if the police case against respondent number 2 is withdrawn, he will take his own life.
“We are shocked to hear this. We expect him to tender an unconditional apology,” the bench observed, setting the nearing on March 7. The attorney then suddenly cut off his video connection, but subsequently apologised, admitting he became “emotional”. But Justice Oka persisted with the requirement for a written apology and warned him of the repercussions of defiance.
