Advocate's baseless accusation of trial court's judgment as "match fixing" and subsequent claims of fabricated contempt order held to scandalize judiciary; Bar Council to be notified for professional misconduct
In a significant judgment delivered on September 18, 2026, the Karnataka High Court (Division Bench comprising Justices D.K. Singh and H. Shanthi Bhushan) convicted advocate H.P. Sabjan of criminal contempt of court and sentenced him to 15 days' simple imprisonment. The case arose from Mr. Sabjan's conduct during the hearing of Criminal Appeal No. 1054/2018, where he alleged that the trial court's judgment was the result of "match fixing"-an assertion that the court deemed scandalous and baseless.
The contempt proceedings were initiated suo motu by the High Court following an order dated September 15, 2025, which recorded the advocate's derogatory remarks despite warnings to desist. The court observed that such unfounded allegations tend to lower the authority and respect of the judiciary, thereby amounting to criminal contempt under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
Further aggravating the contempt charge, Mr. Sabjan, in his sworn objections to the contempt notice, claimed that the order initiating the contempt proceedings was "false, fabricated, forged," and designed to prevent him from continuing as an advocate for the appellant. The court held that imputing such motives to the judiciary and alleging fabrication of judicial orders on oath further scandalizes the court and undermines its authority.
Although Mr. Sabjan initially indicated his willingness to tender an unconditional apology, he later chose to contest the proceedings and did not offer any such apology, even after explaining that the allegation of fabrication was a "typo mistake." The court, after considering his conduct and demeanor, found both charges of contempt proven.
Consequently, the court sentenced Mr. Sabjan to simple imprisonment for 15 days, ordered his immediate custody, and directed the Registrar (Judicial) to issue a conviction warrant. Additionally, the court instructed the Registry to furnish a free copy of the order to the contemnor and communicate the judgment to the Bar Council for appropriate disciplinary action concerning his fitness to continue practicing law.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's intolerance towards any attempt to scandalize or lower its authority through baseless accusations or false allegations, particularly by members of the legal profession who are expected to uphold the dignity of the courts.
Bottom Line:
Criminal contempt - Advocate alleging in open Court that trial Court judgment was passed by "match fixing" and thereafter alleging on oath that order of High Court initiating contempt proceedings was false, fabricated and forged - Such conduct amounts to scandalizing Court and lowering authority of Court - Charges proved - Contemnor sentenced to 15 days' simple imprisonment and matter directed to be communicated to Bar Council.
Statutory provision(s): Contempt of Courts Act, 1971
High Court of Karnataka v. H.P. Sabjan, (Karnataka)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2983458
