In a significant development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a show-cause notice to Senior Advocate Narinder Pal Singh Ruprah, questioning his continuation as a designated Senior Advocate following alleged misconduct during a court proceeding.
The notice, dated April 8, 2025, was issued in connection with the hearing of W.P. No. 39118 of 2024 (M/s Maa Narmada Associates vs. State of Madhya Pradesh and Others). The incident occurred during a session held on April 7, 2025, in Court No.1, which was live-streamed and recorded as per court protocols.
According to the court order, when asked whether respondent No.5 was present in court, Shri Ruprah allegedly raised his voice excessively and created a ruckus in the courtroom. The order stated:
“He created a ruckus in the Court by shouting at top of his voice, which is recorded in the live-streamed recording of the Court… looking to his conduct today, we are of the view that it needs to be reconsidered as it appears that he does not deserve to be a Senior Advocate.”
Citing Rule 22 of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh (Designation of Senior Advocates) Rules, 2018, the Principal Registrar (Judicial) has directed Shri Ruprah to file a reply explaining why his designation should not be revoked. The deadline for submitting the reply is May 8, 2025.
The court has also barred Shri Ruprah from appearing before the present Bench until further orders.
Background of the Case
The controversy arose during the hearing of a writ petition involving a dispute over liquor stock allegedly handed over by the petitioner to respondent No.5. The court noted inconsistencies in the statements made by respondent No.5’s representatives and raised questions about the disappearance of liquor stock worth lakhs of rupees.
Despite a compromise application being submitted from respondent No.5 to the petitioner, the court expressed surprise at the denial of having received any stock. The court has also directed issuance of bailable warrants against key representatives of respondent No.5 and asked the Registrar (IT) to preserve the live-streamed footage for review by the Full Court.
