New Delhi | July 21, 2025 

A brief but stern exchange unfolded in the Supreme Court today, reminding everyone that judicial respect doesn’t retire with controversy. sitting alongside Justice B.R. Gavai rebuked an advocate for referring to a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court simply by his surname.

The moment occurred during the hearing of a petition filed by senior advocate Mathews J. Nedumpara, who was pressing for urgent listing of a plea seeking criminal investigation against Justice Yashwant Varma in connection with a now-infamous “cash recovery” incident. During oral submissions, Nedumpara repeatedly referred to the judge as “Varma,” which didn’t sit well with the bench.

Chief Justice Gavai interrupted the submissions to express concern:

“Is he your friend? He is still Justice Varma. He is a sitting judge. Please have some decorum.”

The Court appeared visibly displeased as Nedumpara persisted, countering that “greatness” or titles shouldn’t shield anyone from legal accountability. The CJI curtly responded, “Don’t lecture the Court. Address properly.”

The brief confrontation reflected the Supreme Court’s continuing efforts to preserve institutional respect, especially at a time when judicial accountability and public scrutiny are at an all-time high.