The Supreme Court has issued a criminal contempt notice to Advocate Dhanya Kumar Jain, President of the Madhya Pradesh High Court Bar Association, Jabalpur, on a writ petition filed by the Bar Council of India (BCI).
The Bench of Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi passed the order on Thursday, taking note of allegations that Jain had submitted a complaint to the Superintendent of Police, Jabalpur, containing false and defamatory imputations against BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra and a high-powered Election Committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia.
The controversy arose in the context of eligibility criteria for Bar Association office-bearers to contest State Bar Council elections. In his complaint, Jain reportedly made imputations against Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, including allegations questioning the propriety of appointing Justice Dhulia as Chairperson of the Election Committee. He also alleged mala fides and characterised judicial directions on reservation for women in Bar bodies as an abuse of judicial authority.
Jain further questioned the Apex Court’s handling of allegations involving former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, who was linked to a controversy following the alleged recovery of unaccounted cash from his residence after a fire incident. The complaint described the episode as a serious institutional failure affecting the credibility of the judiciary.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Guru Krishna Kumar, appearing for BCI, submitted that the conduct complained of was improper and warranted judicial action.
The Bench directed Jain to show cause why proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act should not be initiated against him. It further asked him to explain why his licence to practise law should not be suspended and why he should not be removed from his position as an office-bearer of the Bar Association.
The top court of the country expressed concern over the nature of the allegations, particularly given Jain’s position as a representative of the legal fraternity.
While the Bar Council sought interim protection against any action on Jain’s complaint, the Court declined to grant ex parte relief at this stage. It directed Jain to appear before the Court and respond to the notice. The matter will proceed after Jain files his reply to the show cause notice.
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