In a strong and clear message on judicial dignity, the Supreme Court on June 10 refused to reduce the 18-month sentence of a lawyer who was convicted for using indecent and abusive language against a woman judicial officer during court proceedings.
A bench of Justices PK Mishra and Manmohan was hearing an appeal filed against the Delhi High Court verdict that had upheld the conviction but modified the sentence to run concurrently instead of consecutively.
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The bench orally remarked “Today, most of our officers in Delhi are women. They will not be able to work like this – if anyone can get away with it. Think of their situation,”
Advocate Sanjay Rathore reportedly shouted in court:
“Aise kar diya case ko adjournment, aise date de di, main kah raha hun, abhi lo mamala, order karo abhi” – followed by hurling vulgar abuses directed at the judge.
He was convicted under the following:
- Section 509 IPC: Outraging the modesty of a woman - 18 months simple imprisonment
- Section 189 IPC: Threatening a public servant - 3 months
- Section 353 IPC: Assault/use of criminal force to intimidate public servant - 3 months
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As per the high court order, all the sentences will now run concurrently.
Justice Manmohan said: "Just see the inspection report, the language used - we cannot even say it in open court."
The petitioner had sought reduction of the sentence by six months, citing personal difficulties like aged parents, young children and the fact that the Bar Council has already taken action against him. However, the apex court remained firm in refusing to reduce the sentence. The petitioner has been given two weeks to surrender.
Background of the case
The woman presiding officer had lodged a formal police complaint, alleging that the advocate had insulted her dignity and outraged her modesty while performing her judicial duties in the court.
Upholding the conviction, Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court said:
"This is not a case of mere personal misbehaviour but one in which justice has been miscarried - where a judge, who embodies the impartial voice of law, became the target of personal attack while discharging her official duties."
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She emphasised that such conduct strikes at the very foundations of judicial decorum and institutional integrity, and reflects the systemic weakness that even empowered women face.
"Justice is traditionally blind - it does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, caste or class - but such incidents highlight the reality that equality in justice and dignity is still a work in progress," she said.
Although the Court allowed all the sentences to run concurrently, it strongly upheld the gravity of the offences, concluding:
“The total sentence actually served by the petitioner shall be limited to 18 months, of which he has already served 5 months and 17 days.”
This case sets an important precedent for upholding the dignity of the judiciary, particularly for ensuring a safe and respectful working environment for women officers in Indian courts.
Case Details : SANJAY RATHORE Versus STATE (GOVT. OF NCT DELHI) AND ANR.| SLP(Crl) No. 8930/2025
