In an unprecedented incident on Monday, the Supreme Court of India witnessed dramatic scenes when a lawyer appearing via video-conferencing threatened to die by suicide if his petition was not accepted. The shocking event unfolded during a criminal proceeding before a bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan.
The lawyer, identified as Ramesh Kumaran, made this alarming threat while pleading his case titled Ramesh Kumaran and another v. State Through The Inspector of Police and Another. Appearing virtually, Kumaran insisted he would commit suicide if the FIR filed against the respondent in the case was quashed.
Expressing dismay at Kumaran’s conduct, Justice Oka sternly responded, "How can you threaten the court that you will commit suicide if we don’t allow your prayer? You are a lawyer… We will ask the Bar Council to suspend your license and register an FIR."
Immediately following Justice Oka’s rebuke, Kumaran abruptly disconnected his video-conferencing link, prompting the bench to remark, "Now, he is gone," and briefly adjourn the proceedings.
Later in the session, Kumaran reconnected via video-conferencing and offered an apology, stating, "My sincere apologies. I got emotional." However, the bench insisted on a formal, written apology, setting a deadline for submission by Friday, March 7.
Justice Oka clarified that while the court was not compelling Kumaran to tender an apology, he explicitly warned of severe consequences should Kumaran fail to comply.
The court also directed the lawyer physically present in the courtroom, representing Kumaran, to convey the court's strong displeasure regarding the incident.
Kumaran’s case involves cross FIRs between him and another individual named Ragavendran, although specific details of the criminal allegations were not disclosed, as the advocates concerned were unavailable for further comments.
The matter has now been scheduled for further hearing on March 7, with the Supreme Court awaiting Kumaran’s written apology.
The lawyer, identified as Ramesh Kumaran, made this alarming threat while pleading his case titled Ramesh Kumaran and another v. State Through The Inspector of Police and Another. Appearing virtually, Kumaran insisted he would commit suicide if the FIR filed against the respondent in the case was quashed.
Expressing dismay at Kumaran’s conduct, Justice Oka sternly responded, "How can you threaten the court that you will commit suicide if we don’t allow your prayer? You are a lawyer… We will ask the Bar Council to suspend your license and register an FIR."
Immediately following Justice Oka’s rebuke, Kumaran abruptly disconnected his video-conferencing link, prompting the bench to remark, "Now, he is gone," and briefly adjourn the proceedings.
Later in the session, Kumaran reconnected via video-conferencing and offered an apology, stating, "My sincere apologies. I got emotional." However, the bench insisted on a formal, written apology, setting a deadline for submission by Friday, March 7.
Justice Oka clarified that while the court was not compelling Kumaran to tender an apology, he explicitly warned of severe consequences should Kumaran fail to comply.
The court also directed the lawyer physically present in the courtroom, representing Kumaran, to convey the court's strong displeasure regarding the incident.
Kumaran’s case involves cross FIRs between him and another individual named Ragavendran, although specific details of the criminal allegations were not disclosed, as the advocates concerned were unavailable for further comments.
The matter has now been scheduled for further hearing on March 7, with the Supreme Court awaiting Kumaran’s written apology.