'We Only Have Sympathy': Why SC Took No Action Against Petitioner Who Threw Papers, Abused CJI

Last Updated:July 11, 2026, 00:25 IST

Despite the disruption, the Supreme Court refused to begin contempt proceedings or take any coercive action against Prabal Pratap.

The Supreme Court has decided not to take any punitive action against a petitioner who allegedly disrupted proceedings, threw papers inside the courtroom and used abusive language against Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.

The Bench said it had sympathy for the petitioner, observing that his actions appeared to be a result of frustration. Despite the courtroom disruption, the court chose not to initiate contempt proceedings or any other action against him.

Petitioner’s courtroom outburst

The incident took place during the hearing of a petition filed by Prabal Pratap, a lawyer who appeared before the court as a petitioner-in-person.

A Bench of Justices KV Viswanathan and Alok Aradhe was hearing his challenge against an Allahabad High Court order. During the proceedings, Pratap repeatedly referred to the judges as “judicial servants" and claimed he was “sovereign".

According to a video of the proceedings shared on social media, he allegedly told the Bench, “Mister judicial servant, I order you to order the registration of an FIR against ACP Vikas Nagar, Lucknow."

The situation reportedly escalated after this exchange, with Pratap allegedly making abusive remarks against CJI Surya Kant and throwing papers inside the courtroom. Court staff intervened and security personnel escorted him out of the courtroom.

Why did SC decide not to take action?

Despite the disruption, the Supreme Court refused to begin contempt proceedings or take any coercive action against Prabal Pratap.

While passing the order, Justice Viswanathan said, “We do not propose to take any action against him." The Bench also dismissed his Special Leave Petition (SLP) after examining the records and finding no reason to interfere with the Allahabad High Court order.

The judge later observed, “He is very disturbed… it’s all frustration. We only have sympathies for him."

What was the case about?

Prabal Pratap had challenged an Allahabad High Court order related to a matter before the Special Chief Judicial Magistrate in Lucknow.

He had sought directions for police to register an FIR based on his allegations. However, instead of ordering an FIR, the magistrate treated his application as a private complaint and directed that the matter proceed through the legal process.

The Allahabad High Court rejected his challenge, saying he had an alternative legal remedy available. Pratap then approached the Supreme Court, which also dismissed his plea.

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