In a rather unusual scene inside Courtroom, the Delhi High Court on Monday saw a lawyer appear with red tape stuck across his lips, signaling he felt silenced in earlier hearings. The Bench, however, didn’t appreciate the dramatic gesture and made its displeasure clear.
Background
The matter involved two linked cases a contempt petition registered by the Court on its own motion and a writ plea filed by petitioner Nand Kishore. Both cases concern a compensation proposal from the Delhi Government, which the petitioner has refused to accept.
Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Anish Dayal were hearing the matters when the incident occurred on 1 December 2025.
Advocate R.K. Saini, representing the petitioner, walked in leisurely and sat with a red stickfast tape over his mouth. Initially, the Bench wondered if he had an injury. When asked, he said the tape symbolized being “silenced” because the Court allegedly interrupted him in earlier hearings.
The Bench was not convinced.
“The aforesaid conduct... is in poor taste and unexpected of a lawyer of more than 25 years standing,” the Bench observed.
The Court explained that Saini’s submissions had become too lengthy and repetitive earlier, and the Bench only paused him to hear the government side.
The judges remarked that the behavior could have led to “appropriate orders” against him, but considering his seniority, they chose restraint while recording strong displeasure.
Court’s Observations
On the core issue, the Delhi Government submitted a fresh written proposal offering ₹5 lakh compensation, calling it reasonable. However, the petitioner refused to accept it.
Senior Advocate Sanjay Jain, for the State, sought additional time to file a detailed affidavit from senior officials explaining their stance in both the writ petition and the contempt case.
Decision
Granting “a last chance,” the Court allowed two weeks for the State to file its affidavit and another two weeks for the petitioner to submit a rejoinder after receiving it.
Both matters will now be taken up on 21 January 2026.
Case Title: Court on its own motion vs. Delhi Administration through BDO