Karnataka HC Orders Advocate to Plant 1,000 Saplings, Drops Contempt
· India · Indian Express, The Hindu
The Karnataka High Court in Bengaluru has directed advocate S Rangaswamy to plant 1,000 fruit-bearing saplings on public land or school/college premises after accepting his unconditional apology. A bench recalled its earlier contempt proceedings, which had stemmed from a court observation that Rangaswamy had virtually threatened a sessions judge while seeking transfer of a case. Senior Advocate P P Hegde and Advocate V M Sheelvant appeared for Rangaswamy, requesting that the April 16 order be recalled and strong remarks expunged. The court has asked Rangaswamy to file a compliance report by October 31 and underlined the vulnerable position of presiding officers in the district judiciary.
Why it matters
The unusual sentencing — 1,000 fruit-bearing saplings instead of formal contempt punishment — sets a restorative precedent for how high courts can resolve contempt matters involving advocates. It also signals judicial concern about the protection and voicelessness of district-level presiding officers facing pressure from lawyers.
Read the original report — Indian Express
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.