A recent incident in the Bombay High Court involving a Senior Judge whose resolute comments in the courtroom apparently caused a young lawyer to faint has caused much flutter in the corridors of justice. The incident has generated much talk in the bar and has even reached the higher echelons of the judiciary.

The episode reportedly happened in the court of Justice AS Gadkari and Justice Rajesh Patil. LawfulTalks decided to discern what really happened on that day and put the events in the courtroom in perspective.

Facts

The matter was kept at serial No. 34. When it was called out the Advocate appearing for Respondent No. 2 (first informant) sought time as the Advocate on Record was unavailable.

Representing the Petitioner was Adv Anshul Kochar, who was seeking to quash a First Information Report against his client, who was alleged to have committed an offence of outraging the modesty of a woman.

As the Petitioner and the Respondent No. 2 (First Informant) were neighbours, Justice Patil inquired if there is any possibility of settlement between the parties. Kochar replied in the negative.

The Court heard Kochar’s submissions substantially, thereafter, the bench perused the material brought on record and expressed their disinclination to allow the petition. The bench inquired if Kochar wished to withdraw the petition failing which they reiterated that they would pass the necessary orders.

At this point Kochar stated that he needs some time to seek instructions. The court contended that he made a statement and declared that no further time to seek instructions will be granted.

In response Kochar informed that he is being led by his senior advocate Pendse. In the course of the tense exchange the bench observed that the advocate was frequently making objectionable facial gestures. It is unclear if these were involuntary twitches /tic.

He was cautioned a couple of times by the bench to desist making objectionable mimes but the gesticulation continued. An exasperated bench then asked about the years of legal practice that Kochar has put in and he replied, ‘three’. They then went on to inquire about the senior or law firm that he works for and directed that he summon them. Noticing that Kochar continued gesticulating, Justice Gadkari stated that this amounted to contempt and it was then that Kochar went dizzy and fainted.

He was soon given water and a sweetmeat and the matter was kept back for hearing in the afternoon. The events that unfolded in the courtroom have been shared by an Advocate present in the court at the time.

In their order the court noted, “‘After hearing Advocate Mr. Kochar and perusing the record, we expressed our opinion that a prima facie case is made out and we are not inclined to entertain the Petition. However Advocate Mr. Kochar, continued with his arguments, rather tirade with objectionable facial expressions. His facial expressions and conduct was clearly contemptuous and it amounts to undermining the authority of this Court. It was prima facie bordering the criminal contempt of Court.

2.1) This Court therefore cautioned Advocate Mr. Kochar about issuing a Notice for criminal contempt of Court.’’

The order further mentions, “In the second session Advocate Mr. M. N. Gawankar, appeared and tendered apology on behalf of Advocate Mr. Kochar, for his aforenoted conduct in Court and expressed remorse on behalf of Advocate Mr. Kochar for his objectionable and derogatory conduct in the morning session and tendered apology on behalf of the said Advocate.’’

‘’We accept the apology tendered by Advocate Gawankar on behalf of Advocate Mr. Kochar.
4) In view of the statement made by Mr. Gawankar, we deem it appropriate to put a quietus to the issue of conduct of Advocate Mr. Kochar in the morning session.’’

The matter has now been kept ‘for directions’ on 8th August 2025.

The incident was instantly circulated and went viral on social media and other news portals whose coverage evoked strong, unsparing reactions. One social media law site stated, “In a sobering incident that unfolded in the Bombay High Court on Friday, a young lawyer reportedly fainted after being publicly reprimanded by Justice A.S. Gadkari. Eyewitnesses say the judge used a stern and unrelenting tone, which left the visibly nervous lawyer overwhelmed. The lawyer, who was appearing before him, reportedly struggled to respond before collapsing in the courtroom, prompting medical attention.’’

The media, in their rush to break a story, sometimes do not give the complete narrative and in doing so, crucial context is omitted.

This selective storytelling about courtroom deliberations, not only distorts the truth but also inflicts enduring damage on those whose side remains unheard.

Case Details: Ammishi Saarthak Kothari & ANR. V State of Maharashtra Writ Petition (Crl) No. 1411 Of 2025