Delhi Police Arrest Two Law Students Over Supreme Court Disruption

New Delhi, July 15, 2026 The arrest of two Lucknow University law students has brought fresh attention to courtroom discipline and the importance of maintaining the dignity of judicial institutions. The action follows a dramatic disruption during a Supreme Court hearing, prompting a police investigation while also drawing responses from the judiciary and legal associations. Delhi Police have arrested Prabal Pratap Singh (24), a third-year law student, and Chander Bhan (23), a second-year law student at Lucknow University, in connection with the incident that took place inside Court No. 13 of the Supreme Court on July 10, 2026. An FIR was registered at Tilak Marg Police Station after Supreme Court security personnel alleged that Prabal, appearing as a petitioner-in-person in SLP (Crl.) No. 31367/2026, disrupted the hearing by using abusive language, throwing papers inside the courtroom and creating disorder. Police also alleged that he used criminal force against court staff when they attempted to restore order. The investigation into the matter is currently underway. The matter was being heard by a Bench led by Justice K.V. Viswanathan when the petitioner identified himself and stated, "Mr. Judicial Servant, I order you to order the registration of FIR against ACP Vikas Nagar, Lucknow, and Duplex Technology... because I am the sovereign." After the Bench questioned his remarks, he allegedly threw a bundle of papers towards the judges, leading security personnel to restrain him. Despite the disruption, the Bench declined to initiate contempt proceedings. Justice K.V. Viswanathan observed, "We do not propose to take any action against him. As far as the merits of the case are concerned, we have perused the records. We find no good grounds to interfere with the impugned order. The Special Leave Petition is dismissed." Later, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant commented, " Bacchey aise kayi bar kar dete hein lekin mei yeh kehna chahta hu ki hamein constitutional institutions ki maryada maan sammaan banaye rakhna chahiye ye hum sabka daitwa hein sabko isko nibhana hein." The incident has since been strongly condemned by legal bodies. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) stated, "The dignity and majesty of the Court must be respected at all times. Any attempt to abuse, threaten or disrupt judicial proceedings is wholly unacceptable and strikes at the very foundation of the administration of justice." The Supreme Court Arguing Counsel Association (SCACA) also sought stringent action against those involved, alleging that selective circulation of courtroom clips and defamatory commentary on social media could undermine public confidence in the judiciary. With the investigation continuing, the case has renewed discussions on courtroom decorum and respect for constitutional institutions.