The Supreme Court judge took exception to the use of abusive language against a woman court officer and directed that advocates must not approach court officers in person or over the phone regarding physical appearances.

New Delhi: Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Kumar on Thursday barred Advocates-on-Record (AoRs) from approaching court officers in person or over the phone after an advocate’s son allegedly used abusive language against a woman court staff member.

The incident occurred during mentioning proceedings in Court No. 8, when Justice Kumar questioned an Advocate-on-Record about the alleged conduct of his son towards the court officer.

Expressing strong displeasure, the judge asked the advocate whether he had taught his son how to speak respectfully to a woman.

According to the report published by LiveLaw, Justice Kumar said that, as a consequence of the incident, physical appearance details would be provided immediately after the case concluded, and no one would be permitted to approach or speak to court officers, either personally or over the phone.

Justice Kumar said that court officers perform their duties with diligence and that he would not tolerate their being subjected to abuse. He also objected to the insinuations and abusive remarks allegedly directed at the woman officer.

Judge Calls for Accountability

During the exchange, Justice Kumar questioned whether the advocate's son was a lawyer and suggested that the matter could be referred to the relevant lawyers' associations, including the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA).

The judge also questioned whether the advocate could ensure that members of his family and professional community treated women with respect.

Reiterating his direction, Justice Kumar said that no one should approach court officers in his court and warned against making further mentions concerning the matter through them. He expressed displeasure that the incident had occurred at the beginning of the court's working day.

The restriction, as reported, concerns communication with court officers in Justice Kumar's court. Physical appearance information will instead be provided immediately after the conclusion of the relevant case.