Supreme Court Uproar Case: Delhi Court Sends Prabal Pratap Singh and Chander Bhan to 14-Day Judicial Custody
A Delhi court has remanded Prabal Pratap Singh and Chander Bhan, two Lucknow University law students arrested in connection with the recent disruption inside the Supreme Court, to 14 days’ judicial custody. The order was passed by Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Ravi at the Patiala House Courts after the expiry of the accused’s two-day police custody. Both accused will now remain in judicial custody until July 29, 2026.
The case stems from an unprecedented incident that occurred on July 10 before a Bench comprising Justice K.V. Viswanathan and Justice Alok Aradhe. According to Delhi Police, Prabal Pratap Singh, appearing as a petitioner-in-person, allegedly disrupted the court proceedings by hurling abusive and unparliamentary remarks against the Chief Justice of India, throwing case papers inside the courtroom, and creating a commotion. Chander Bhan is alleged to have accompanied him and was subsequently arrested for his alleged involvement in the incident.
The First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Tilak Marg Police Station on the complaint of Supreme Court security personnel. The police have invoked offences relating to obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duties, assaulting security personnel, disturbing judicial proceedings, and other allied provisions of criminal law. During the hearing on police remand, investigators informed the court that Prabal allegedly resisted security officials who attempted to restore order and used criminal force against a head constable posted inside the Supreme Court.
Seeking judicial custody, the Delhi Police submitted that although custodial interrogation had concluded, the investigation remained underway. The police informed the court that pamphlets containing objectionable language had been recovered from the accused, and investigators were attempting to ascertain their authorship, printing, source, intended circulation, and whether the incident involved any broader conspiracy or premeditated plan.
The episode attracted nationwide attention because of its unusual nature. On the day of the incident, despite the petitioner’s disruptive conduct, the Supreme Court initially refrained from initiating contempt proceedings, observing that it was taking a compassionate view in light of his apparent mental state and frustration. Subsequently, however, acting on the complaint of the Court’s security staff, the Delhi Police commenced a criminal investigation independent of the judicial proceedings.
As part of the investigation, both accused were medically examined at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS). According to the police, the medical evaluation concluded that neither individual required immediate psychiatric intervention, enabling the investigation to proceed in the ordinary course of law.
The remand to judicial custody does not amount to a finding of guilt. The criminal investigation will continue, after which the Delhi Police is expected to file its final report before the competent court. The case has drawn significant legal attention because it concerns the sanctity of judicial proceedings and the security of the Supreme Court, while also raising broader questions about courtroom decorum, litigants appearing in person, and the legal consequences of disrupting proceedings in the country’s highest constitutional court.
