A Message from the Supreme Court: No Tolerance for Abuse in the Courtroom

In a firm stand to protect dignity and discipline inside courtrooms, the Supreme Court of India on June 10, 2025, refused to reduce the prison sentence of a lawyer convicted for abusing a female judicial officer during court proceedings.

Background of the Case:-

The matter involves Sanjay Rathore, an advocate who was earlier convicted for insulting and threatening a woman judge in Delhi. During a court hearing, the lawyer became aggressive after the judge adjourned the case. He shouted, “Aise kar diya adjourn matter, aise kaise date de di, main keh raha hun, abhi lo matter, order karo abhi,” followed by abusive and vulgar language.

A police complaint was filed by the judge. The Trial Court convicted him under:

• Section 509 IPC (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman),

• Section 189 IPC (threatening a public servant), and

• Section 353 IPC (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant).

  
  

He was sentenced to 18 months of simple imprisonment, with an additional 3 months each under Sections 189 and 353. The Delhi High Court later ruled that the sentences would run concurrently, keeping the total sentence at 18 months. Out of this, Rathore had already served 5 months and 17 days.

Supreme Court’s Decision:-

Rathore filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court, asking for his sentence to be reduced to 6 months, citing reasons such as elderly parents, dependent children, and pending Bar Council action.

However, the Supreme Court bench of Justice P.K. Mishra and Justice Manmohan rejected his plea. The Court emphasized the seriousness of the misconduct. Justice Manmohan stated:

“Just see the inspection report, the language used – we cannot even say it in open court.”

He added a strong observation about women in the judiciary:

“Today, the majority of our officers in Delhi are women. They will not be able to function like this if somebody can get away like this. Think of their state.”

The Court granted two weeks for the lawyer to surrender.

Delhi High Court’s Strong Observations:-

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court, in her earlier judgment, had expressed deep concern over the lawyer’s behaviour. She said:

“This is not merely a case of individual misbehaviour, but a case where injustice was done to justice itself – where a judge, who symbolizes the impartial voice of the law, became the target of personal attack.”

Justice Sharma also pointed out the systemic vulnerability faced by women, even at high positions:

“When a female judge becomes the target of personal indignity and humiliation by an officer of the court – an advocate – it reflects the systemic vulnerability women continue to face, even at the highest levels of legal authority.”

She further reminded that justice is supposed to be blind to gender, but the system must act firmly when its principles are threatened by its own members.

Conclusion:-

This case – Sanjay Rathore v. State (Govt. of NCT Delhi) & Anr. – sends a clear and strong message: abuse, threats, or gender-based insults in the courtroom will not be tolerated, no matter who commits them.

Lawyers, as officers of the court, are expected to uphold dignity and respect. The judiciary, especially female judges, deserves a safe and dignified working environment. This verdict is a reminder that respect and discipline are not optional — they are the foundation of justice.