Advocate Rakesh Kumar accused of using offensive language and threats during court proceedings, faces charges under Contempt of Court Act, 1971
In a significant move, the Delhi High Court has framed charges of criminal contempt against Advocate Rakesh Kumar for his alleged use of offensive language and threatening behavior during a court proceeding. The bench, comprising Justices Navin Chawla and Ravinder Dudeja, took suo motu cognizance of the incident, which reportedly occurred on April 3, 2025, during a hearing at the Tis Hazari Courts, Delhi. The advocate is accused of making serious allegations against the presiding officer, using un-parliamentary language, and threatening to make the issue personal if contempt proceedings were initiated against him.
The court order details the advocate's conduct, which is said to have included shouting and using highly objectionable language, thereby lowering the authority of the court and obstructing the administration of justice. The bench has framed charges under Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Court Act, 1971, which pertains to acts that scandalize or lower the authority of the court, and Section 12, which deals with punishment for contempt.
During the proceedings, Advocate Rakesh Kumar, appearing in person, pleaded not guilty and expressed his intention to contest the charges. He requested the court to requisition audio-video recordings of the proceedings from the date of the alleged incident to support his defense. The court has directed the Principal District & Sessions Judge to retrieve and transmit the recordings to assist in the adjudication of the charges.
Additionally, the advocate claimed he had not received a complete copy of the reference against him, to which the court permitted him to approach the registry to obtain the full document. The court has granted him four weeks to file a response to the charges and has scheduled the next hearing for October 15, 2026, where the advocate is required to be present in person.
This development underscores the judiciary's commitment to maintaining decorum and respect within the courtrooms, emphasizing that any attempt to undermine the authority of the court will be met with strict consequences.
Bottom Line :
Advocate accused of using offensive language and threatening behavior towards a judge during court proceedings - Charge framed under Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Court Act, 1971 for criminal contempt, punishable under Section 12 of the Act.
Statutory provision(s):
Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 - Section 2(c), Section 12
Court On Its Own Motion v. Rakesh Kumar, Advocate, (Delhi)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2965197
