Gujarat High Court Drops Contempt Proceedings Against Lawyer Over Remarks Against Sitting Judges, Accepts His Apology

The Gujarat High Court closed a suo-motu criminal contempt case against a lawyer who had made assertions against two sitting high court judges, after taking note of his unconditional apology. [2026 LiveLaw (Guj) 286]

The lawyer had made certain assertions in his application that he had filed for initiation of contempt in another matter. The assertions were directed against two Sitting Judges of the High Court. 

A division bench of Justice NS Sanjay Gowda and Justice JL Odedra noted that the lawyer had tendered an unconditional apology and submitted that there was no justification for making the said assertions. 

The court said:

"At our suggestion, the respondent No.1 has also filed an affidavit of apology. Though, this apology is a bit lengthy and at times seeks to justify his conduct, nevertheless, the fact remains that the respondent No.1 has expressed his genuine regret and remorse in making assertions which were wholly unnecessary. He has also accepted the fact that his contempt petition was basically directed against seven respondents mentioned therein and, therefore, there was no justification for making any assertions against the Judges who heard his matter.

Having regard to the unconditional apology given both yesterday and by way of an affidavit today, we are inclined to accept the same". 

The court said that it was satisfied that the lawyer had genuinely regretted assertions he had made in his application, which led to the initiation of the suo motu contempt proceedings. 

The affidavit stated that the as a gesture of his remorse, the lawyer had undertaken to voluntarily donate  Rs. 1,00,000 to Mangal Jivan Healthcare Private Limited, which is a hospital treating cancer patients. 

"In the light of the fact that he has voluntarily agreed to donate a sum of Rs.1,00,000/- as a gesture of remorse, we are also inclined to accept the unconditional apology given by him. The contempt proceedings are accordingly dropped, and the said demand draft of Rs. 1,00,000/- that is placed on record shall be made over to the Mangal Jivan Healthcare Private Limited through the Registry," the court said. 

The contempt case was disposed of.