Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Thursday sharply rebuked a litigant in a postgraduate medical admission case after learning that the petitioner’s father had allegedly telephoned his brother over an order passed by the Court. The Chief Justice questioned whether the Court should initiate contempt proceedings over the incident.
The case concerns two candidates from Haryana who seek admission to a postgraduate medical course under the Buddhist minority quota at Subharti Medical College in Uttar Pradesh, a recognised Buddhist minority educational institution.
Court Objects to Alleged Attempt to Influence Proceedings
When the matter came up for hearing, CJI Surya Kant addressed the petitioners’ counsel and expressed serious concern over the conduct of the petitioner’s father. He said the man had called his brother and referred to the order passed by him. The Chief Justice asked why the Court should not begin contempt proceedings in such circumstances.
He also made it clear that no one could dictate terms to the Court or attempt to pressure it through such conduct. During the hearing, he further said that he knew how to deal with such persons even if they tried to evade the process of law. He also warned against repeating such conduct.
The petitioners’ counsel said he did not know about the father’s actions and apologised before the Court. The Court then re-listed the matter.
Court Notes Possible Manipulation of Authorities
During the hearing, the Chief Justice also observed that someone appeared to be trying to manipulate the Haryana authorities in connection with the case. The Court recorded this concern while postponing the matter for further consideration.
Petition Seeks Admission Under Buddhist Minority Quota
The writ petition was filed by two persons from Haryana who sought directions to secure admission to a medical postgraduate course under the Buddhist minority quota in Subharti Medical College. The institution has been declared a Buddhist minority educational institution.
The petitioners claimed that they had converted to Buddhism. To support that claim, they relied on certificates issued by a Sub-Divisional Officer stating that they belonged to the Buddhist minority community.
January Hearing Raised Doubts Over Conversion Claim
In January 2026, a Bench led by CJI Surya Kant had already expressed serious doubts about the genuineness of the conversion claimed by the two General Category candidates. The Court observed that the move appeared to aim at securing admission under the minority quota for postgraduate medical courses.
At that stage, the Chief Justice specifically noted that the petitioners belonged to the “Punia” caste. The Court then ordered an inquiry into the minority certificates produced by the petitioners.
Case Title: Nikhil Kumar Punia and Anr v. Union of India and Others
Case No.: W.P.(C) No. 21/2026
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