What Led the Jharkhand HC to Initiate Criminal Contempt Proceedings Against Advocate?
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Synopsis
In a remarkable turn of events, the Jharkhand High Court has initiated criminal contempt proceedings against advocate Mahesh Tiwari after a fiery exchange with a judge during a livestreamed hearing. The incident, which has gone viral, raises critical questions about courtroom decorum and the judiciary's authority.
Key Takeaways
- Jharkhand High Court has initiated proceedings against advocate Mahesh Tiwari.
- The case highlights the importance of courtroom decorum.
- Contempt proceedings were triggered by a heated exchange during a livestreamed hearing.
- The court's authority and respect for judicial procedures are paramount.
- The incident has sparked widespread attention on social media.
Ranchi, Oct 17 (NationPress) The Jharkhand High Court has proactively taken cognizance of a case involving criminal contempt against advocate Mahesh Tiwari after a tense exchange with a judge during a livestream of court proceedings.
This incident unfolded on Thursday amidst the hearing of a case concerning a domestic electricity connection and billing conflict, which was being broadcasted live on YouTube. The footage of the confrontation swiftly gained traction on social media, garnering significant attention.
During the proceedings, advocate Tiwari, representing petitioner Pushpa Kumari, contended that his client was being demanded to pay more than Rs 1.30 lakh in dues and penalties. He urged the court to permit the restoration of the electricity connection upon the deposit of Rs 10,000-15,000 considering the forthcoming Diwali festival.
Justice Rajesh Kumar, presiding over the case, dismissed the request, stating: "We are not here to dispense justice based on mercy. This is a court of law, not a court of justice."
This prompted a heated exchange, with Tiwari allegedly responding: "I will argue my way, not yours. Please pay attention… Don’t try to insult any lawyer. The country is burning with anger over the judiciary. I have been practising in this court for 40 years."
Following the bench's order that the connection could be reinstated upon the deposit of Rs 50,000, Tiwari protested, asserting that even Rs 15,000 was excessive as the monthly bill was under Rs 200.
Justice Kumar replied: "Tiwari ji, you stand up and say that the petitioner is a widow, she is poor… this is not pleading. I am not sitting with an empty skull. There is something in my skull."
Even after the hearing concluded, Tiwari reportedly continued to make remarks directed at the judge, leading to intervention from other advocates.
On Friday, a full bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay, Justice Ananda Sen, and Justice Rajesh Shankar took suo motu cognizance of the incident.
The court officially registered a case titled “Court on its own motion vs Mahesh Tiwari” and scheduled the matter for hearing on November 11.
The High Court concluded that the statements made during the live hearing constituted criminal contempt, as they seemed to undermine the authority of the court and disrupt the administration of justice.
Point of View
I believe this incident highlights the delicate balance between legal advocacy and courtroom decorum. While advocates must fervently represent their clients, it is crucial that they maintain respect for the judicial process. This case serves as a reminder of the standards expected within the legal profession, reinforcing the need for accountability.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is criminal contempt?
Criminal contempt refers to actions that disrespect the court or interfere with its proceedings, which can lead to penalties for the individual involved.
What triggered the contempt proceedings against Mahesh Tiwari?
The proceedings were prompted by a heated exchange between Tiwari and a judge during a livestreamed court session, where Tiwari's remarks were seen as undermining the authority of the court.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for November 11.
What was the context of the court hearing?
The hearing involved a dispute over a domestic electricity connection and related billing issues, with Tiwari arguing on behalf of his client.
How did social media react to this incident?
The exchange quickly went viral, with widespread discussion and commentary on social media platforms regarding courtroom behavior and judicial authority.
