A senior government pleader of the Kerala High Court, C.N. Prabhakaran was shifted from the Bench of Justice P. Gopinath on Friday following a slight conflict between the duo.
The Bench, which deals with bail application in cases of violence against women and children, was hearing a matter when Prabhakaran allegedly made inappropriate statements in the courtroom. Reports suggest that although the government pleader was warned with contempt proceedings by the Judge, he continued to make such remarks.
Insulted by this, the Judge suspended the proceedings for the day and retired to his chamber. It is reported that Justice Gopinath later summoned T.A. Shaji, the Director-General of Prosecution to his chamber to appraise him about the incident and to inform the displeasure of the Court at the said conduct.
Consequently, Prabhakaran was shifted to another Bench considering bail applications. However, it has been reported that the issue was subsequently sorted out amicably.
The DGP informed The Hindu that it was a comment made at the spur of the moment and that the lawyer had later expressed his regret about the same. Shaji added that heated exchanges often happen inside the courtroom, but that the instant issue was blown out of proportion.
