'Don't shout at me': CJI Chandrachud chides advocate during electoral bonds hearing

Heated exchanges were witnessed between Supreme Court Chief Justice of India Chandrachud and advocate Mathews Nedumpara while hearing the case related to electoral bonds. It started when Nedumpara intervened and made arguments against the verdict.

The court was hearing a plea filed by major industry associations seeking to defer the disclosure of electoral bond unique identification numbers. These unique alpha-numeric numbers are essential to find which donors funded the political parties of their choice.

It all began when Advocate Mukul Rohatgi was arguing on behalf of ASSOCHAM, FICCI and CII. During this time, advocate Mathews Nedumpara intervened and said that the SC's judgement in the electoral bonds case was delivered behind the backs of the citizens. It is not clear who Nedumpara was representing but the court declined to hear him.

"This was a policy matter and not for the courts to get into. That is why people feel this judgment was given behind their back," he said.

At this time, the Chief Justice kept asking him to pause and listen. To which Nedumpara, replied, "I am a citizen of this country."

Justice Chandrachud then retorted saying, "One second, don't shout at me."

Nedumpara, visibly taken aback, said, "No, no, I am very soft."

The Chief Justice then said, "This is not a Hyde Park corner meeting, you are in the court. You want to move an application, file an application. You have got my decision as Chief Justice, we are not hearing you. If you want to file an application, move it on the email. That's the rule in this court."

When Nedumpara kept speaking, Justice BR Gavai intervened saying, "You are obstructing in the process of administration of justice!"

When he was reminded of his history of getting contempt notice,
the lawyer still did not back down.

As he kept speaking, the bench said, "That's all, we will not hear you till you follow the procedure prescribed."

Also read | SC directs SBI to disclose all electoral bond details, including serial numbers