SC Refuses Leniency to Lawyer Who Abused Woman Judge: "Think of Their State"
In a strong message upholding the dignity and safety of women in the judiciary, the Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to reduce the 19-month sentence of an advocate convicted of using vulgar and abusive language against a woman judicial officer during court proceedings.
A bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Manmohan refused to show leniency to the lawyer, Sanjay Rathore, who had approached the apex court challenging a Delhi High Court order that upheld his conviction.
The Court was firm:
> “Today, majority of our officers in Delhi are women. They will not be able to function like this if somebody can get away like this. Think of their state.”
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Background: A Frightening Courtroom Moment
The disturbing incident occurred during the hearing of a challan matter, where Rathore, instead of following court decorum, unleashed a tirade of vulgar threats and expletives at the presiding woman judge. His aggressive behaviour not only disrupted the proceedings but deeply violated the sanctity of the courtroom.
Shaken and outraged, the judicial officer filed a formal complaint, stating that the advocate had outraged her modesty and undermined her position and dignity as a judge.
The Trial Court found him guilty and sentenced him to:
18 months under Section 509 IPC (insulting the modesty of a woman),
3 months each under Sections 189 and 353 IPC (threatening and deterring a public servant).
The sentences were to run concurrently.
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Delhi High Court: “An Injustice to Justice Itself”
While upholding the conviction, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court emphasized that the offence was not just personal misconduct—it was an affront to the justice system.
> “This is not merely a case of individual misbehaviour, but a case where injustice was done to justice itself... A judge, who symbolizes the impartial voice of law, became the target of a personal attack while performing her duty.”
The Court underscored that such conduct highlights the systemic vulnerability women still face—even within institutions meant to uphold the law.
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Supreme Court: “Language Too Appalling to Repeat”
In the Supreme Court, Rathore’s counsel pleaded for a reduced sentence, citing family responsibilities, ageing parents, and disciplinary action already taken by the Bar Council.
But the Bench was unmoved. Justice Manmohan remarked that the language used by the lawyer was so indecent it could not even be repeated in court.
Granting two weeks for surrender, the Court made it clear that such conduct could not be condoned or minimized.
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A Message Beyond One Case
This judgment sends a clear signal: the court will stand firm in protecting its officers—especially women judges—from verbal abuse, intimidation, and misconduct.
In a profession that demands respect, discipline, and trust, such behaviour is not only unacceptable—it is dangerous. And the judiciary, rightfully, will not turn a blind eye.
