Jharkhand HC Takes Suo Motu Contempt Action Against Advocate Over Heated Exchange During Livestream

October 17, 2025

Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court has initiated suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against advocate Mahesh Tiwari following a heated verbal exchange with a judge during a livestreamed hearing that later went viral on social media.

The confrontation occurred on Thursday during the hearing of a case concerning a domestic electricity connection and billing dispute, which was being livestreamed on YouTube.
Clips of the exchange between the advocate and the judge were widely shared online, drawing strong reactions from viewers.

Exchange Between Advocate and Judge

Advocate Tiwari, representing petitioner Pushpa Kumari, argued that his client was being forced to pay over ₹1.30 lakh in dues and penalties. He urged the court to allow restoration of electricity upon depositing ₹10,000–₹15,000, citing the approaching Diwali festival.

However, Justice Rajesh Kumar, presiding over the case, rejected the request, remarking:

“We are not here to dispense justice on the basis of mercy. This is a court of law, not a court of justice.”

The comment prompted a sharp exchange, with Tiwari reportedly responding:

“I will argue my way, not yours. Please pay attention… Don’t try to insult any lawyer. The country is burning with anger over the judiciary. I have been practising in this court for 40 years.”

After the bench allowed the restoration of power upon payment of ₹50,000, Tiwari objected again, stating that even ₹15,000 was excessive as the monthly bill was under ₹200.

Justice Kumar replied:

“Tiwari ji, you stand up and say that the petitioner is a widow, she is poor… this is not pleading. I am not sitting with an empty skull. There is something in my skull.”

Even after the hearing concluded, the advocate allegedly made further remarks directed at the judge, prompting other lawyers present to intervene.

Full Bench Initiates Contempt Proceedings

On Friday, a full bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay, Justice Ananda Sen, and Justice Rajesh Shankar took suo motu cognisance of the incident.

The court registered a case titled “Court on its own motion vs Mahesh Tiwari” and scheduled the next hearing for November 11.

Court: Remarks Lowered the Authority of the Judiciary

The High Court observed that the statements made during the live proceedings appeared to undermine the dignity and authority of the court, constituting criminal contempt.

The bench noted that such conduct interferes with the administration of justice, particularly when court proceedings are being broadcast live to the public.