Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday sternly rebuked Advocate Mathews Nedumpara after the latter suggested in court that Constitution Benches were being formed for “Adani and Ambani” while matters affecting the “common man” were not being heard.
The sharp exchange unfolded during the mentioning round, when Nedumpara referred to a petition challenging the collegium system and seeking restoration of the National Judicial Appointments Commission. The CJI told him there was no such petition listed in the Registry, triggering the confrontation that followed.
‘Be careful with what you submit in my court’
When the advocate persisted and remarked that Constitution Benches were being formed for “Adani and Ambani” but the NJAC challenge was not being taken up, the bench took strong exception.
A visibly displeased CJI warned him in open court: “Mr Nedumpara, be careful with what you submit in my court. You have seen me in Chandigarh, in Delhi… I am warning you, be careful. Don’t think you will be able to continue misbehaving as you have been doing with other benches. I am warning you.”
The Chief Justice further cautioned that strict action would follow if such conduct continued.
During the exchange, the CJI made it clear that there was no petition of the nature mentioned by Nedumpara pending before the court’s Registry.
The Supreme Court Registry declined to register Nedumpara’s fresh writ petition in 2024, observing that a new plea on an issue already settled by the NJAC verdict was not maintainable.