Shri C.N. Presannan, Judl. Second Class ... vs Shri K.A. Mohammed Ali, Adv. on 14 March, 1991
In Advocate-General v. K. Ramakumar, ILR 1986 (1) Kerala 464, this Court imposed a fine of Rs. 1,000/- for an article published in a legal journal with limited circulation, having regard to the serious threat the article would have on the administration of justice. Organising a demonstration before the residence of the Chief Justice by itself, is far more serious, in as much as it would immediately attract the attention of larger sections of ordinary people. The gravity of his misconduct is enhanced when he had made arrangements by telephoning the editor of a prominent English daily having very large circulation in this area, to cover the news of such a demonstration. A report and the photograph thus published under Ext. P1 did seriously disturb the administration of justice and the working of the Courts and the morale of the judicial officers. With all these aggravating factors we have desisted from awarding him the punishment of imprisonment. We have been extremely indulgent towards him, having regard to the long standing he had at the Bar. In a sense, the long standing he had at the Bar should have made him more circumspect, and sober. Looked that way, a higher punishment is justifiable and may be imposed on him in such circumstances. We remind ourselves about the highest restraint needed in that circumstance and we have practiced that high restraint in these proceedings.