Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud sternly reprimanded Advocate Mathews Nedumpara during a Supreme Court hearing on alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). NEET is an all-India exam for admission to medical courses. The incident occurred when Nedumpara interrupted Advocate Narender Hooda, who was addressing the bench on behalf of another petitioner.
Incident During Hearing
The interruption began when Nedumpara, representing a petitioner, claimed he could answer a question posed by the bench. He asserted, “I am the senior most of all lawyers before the court. I can answer. I am the amicus.” The Chief Justice promptly responded, “I have not appointed any amicus.”
Despite the Chief Justice’s clarification, Nedumpara continued, stating, “If you don’t respect me, I will leave.” This prompted a sharp retort from the Chief Justice: “Mr. Nedumpara, I am warning you. You will not speak to the gallery. I am in charge of the court. Please call security, have him removed from court.” Nedumpara replied, “I am leaving. I am going.” To this, the Chief Justice responded, “You do not have to say that, you can leave. I have seen judiciary for the last 24 years. I cannot let lawyers dictate procedure in this court.”
Continued Disruption
Nedumpara then remarked, “I have seen it since 1979,” prompting the Chief Justice to warn him further. “I may have to issue something which is not fair. You will not interrupt any other lawyer,” he said. Eventually, Nedumpara left the courtroom but returned later, apologizing and claiming he was unfairly treated. He also stated, “I forgive the Chief Justice for insulting me,” and used a Biblical phrase: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time Nedumpara has been reprimanded by the Chief Justice. In March, during the Electoral Bonds case hearing, Nedumpara’s conduct drew a firm response from the Chief Justice. Nedumpara had interrupted the proceedings, prompting the Chief Justice to say, “Don’t shout at me… This is not a Hyde Park corner meeting; you are in the court. You want to move an application, file an application. You have got my decision as Chief Justice, we are not hearing you. If you want to file an application, move it on the email. That’s the rule in this court.”
Heated Verbal Exchange
During the NEET-UG hearing, the verbal exchange was intense:
- Nedumpara: I can answer your question. I am the senior most from all the lawyers here. I am the amicus.
- CJI: No. I have not appointed any amicus.
- Nedumpara: I will answer your question.
- CJI: I don’t want you to answer the question. Sit down otherwise I will have you removed from the court.
- Nedumpara: If you don’t respect me, I myself will leave.
- CJI: When Mr. Hooda is arguing, I don’t want anyone to intervene.
- Nedumpara: I have only one thing to say.
- CJI: (To his staff) Please call the security and have Mr. Nedumpara removed from the court.
- Nedumpara: I am leaving. Don’t disrespect me. I have been here since 1979.
The incident underscores the importance of maintaining decorum and respect in the courtroom, highlighting the judiciary’s role in ensuring orderly legal proceedings.
(With inputs from agencies)
