In a significant ruling on July 23, 2025, a Three-Judge Bench of the Supreme Court of India headed by Hon’ble Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, along with Hon’ble Mr. Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Joymalya Bagchi, brought closure to the disciplinary proceedings initiated against two lawyers in SLP (Crl.) No. 6029 of 2025  N. Eswaranathan vs. State represented by the Deputy Superintendent of Police.

The controversy arose from a difference of opinion between two Judges of the Apex Court over whether punitive action should be taken against Mr. P. Soma Sundaram (Advocate-on-Record) and Mr. S. Muthukrishnan (drafting counsel) for certain procedural lapses in filings. While Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Bela M. Trivedi (as she then was) found the lawyers guilty of contempt and imposed penalties, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Satish Chandra Sharma dissented, advocating leniency in light of the advocates’ unqualified apology.

The matter was escalated to a Three-Judge Bench due to this judicial split. During the hearing, members of the Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) appeared, highlighting the impact the decision could have on legal practitioners.

Chief Justice Gavai, delivering the order for the Bench, aligned with the view of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, stating that forgiveness, especially when remorse is genuine, must not be undervalued in the justice system. The Bench emphasized that minor errors, particularly when acknowledged sincerely, should not derail an advocate's career.

Citing ancient principles like Kshama Dharmasya Moolam (Forgiveness is the root of Dharma), the Court remarked:

"The majesty of law lies not merely in punishment but also in acknowledging genuine contrition."

Accordingly, the Court accepted the apology tendered by the advocates and disposed of the matter without imposing any disciplinary action, setting a precedent of compassion tempered with responsibility.

Case Title: N. Eswaranathan vs. State represented by the Deputy Superintendent of Police
Case No.: SLP (Crl.) No. 6029 of 2025 | MA No. 1264/2025