In a heated hearing, Chief Justice of India(CJI) Surya Kant rebuked a petitioner’s father for calling the CJI’s brother to complain about a court order and question how it was passed, warning that such conduct could amount to contempt of court.

The incident took place during a hearing in the Supreme Court. The case involves two General Category candidates from Haryana who are trying to get admission under the Buddhist minority quota at Subharti Medical College in Uttar Pradesh.

They are relying on conversion certificates issued by a Sub-Divisional Officer, which claim that they have converted to Buddhism.

Court Doubts Conversion:

Back in January, a bench headed by the CJI had already doubted the conversion claims. The court was suspicious because of the petitioners’ Punia caste background and said it looked like a way to get postgraduate medical seats. The bench also ordered an inquiry into the minority certificates.

When the case came up again in the Supreme Court on 25th March 2026, the CJI strongly questioned the petitioners’ lawyer. He said:

CJI’s Strong Warning:

“Why should there not be contempt against the father of your client? Are you aware what he has done, or should I disclose in open court? He dares to call my brother on phone and telling how CJI has passed this order? He will dictate me? You verify, and then as a counsel, first you should withdraw! If the client is misconducting. Even if he hides out of India, I know how to deal with these kind of people. [You’re] threatening me! Never ever dare to do it. Sometimes you think I’ll transfer the case. I have dealt with these kind of elements for last 23 years”.

The lawyer said he did not know about the father’s actions and immediately apologized. After this, the CJI agreed to hear the case again later, but also noted that there were attempts to influence officials in Haryana.

Case Details: Nikhil Kumar Punia and Anr vs. Union of India and others. W.P(C) no. 21/2026