In cases where parties know the truth, ‘judge is on trial’: Supreme Court
Court orders the parties to pay ₹5 lakh each in costs for wasting judicial time for 11 years with a 'manufactured controversy' while genuine litigants waited in queue
The Supreme Court commenced a 15-page judgment regarding a contentious dispute between a litigant and her former lawyer. Justice Vikram Nath, who authored the recent ruling, pointed out that when parties are already aware of the truth, "it is the judge who is on trial." According to Justice Nath, both parties in the case had failed to be candid and expected vindication from the court.
The dispute spanned over a decade, involving a woman who accused a senior police officer in Maharashtra of sexual assault. The woman alleged that her lawyer, the respondent, acted against her interests by coordinating with the police officer, disclosing confidential information, and breaching professional obligations. She sought ₹2 crore in compensation.
The lawyer argued that the woman's claims did not include rape or any other sexual offense, and that she was seeking to sensationalize the matter for publicity and career advancement. The Bar Council of India removed the lawyer from the rolls for two years and imposed a fine. Meanwhile, the police officer was acquitted of all charges.
The Supreme Court found that the litigation had been manufactured and prolonged by the litigants, each hoping to divert the court's attention from their own actions. The court directed both parties to pay ₹5 lakh each in costs for wasting judicial time that belonged to other litigants seeking genuine relief.
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