In a remarkable display of judicial creativity, the Karnataka High Court has ordered an advocate to plant 1,000 fruit-bearing trees as punishment for misbehaving before a sessions court judge. The unusual sentence replaces what could have been criminal proceedings for contempt of court.

Key facts

  • Advocate S. Rangaswamy must plant 1,000 fruit-bearing saplings on government or educational land
  • He must maintain the trees and file a compliance affidavit by October 31, 2026
  • The court imposed an additional nominal cost of ₹1,000 payable to legal services
  • The punishment replaces criminal contempt proceedings initiated in April 2026

A courtroom confrontation

The case stems from a disturbing incident in March 2026, when Rangaswamy allegedly brought eight to ten advocates from Ballari to stare down a sessions judge in Gangavati for nearly 15 minutes. The group hurled abuses and interrupted court proceedings during witness testimony—behavior the High Court described as "threatening and hampering the dignity of the sessions court."

From apology to arboretum

Justice Hanchate Sanjeevkumar delivered the revised order on September 1, 2026, accepting Rangaswamy's unconditional apology. While recalling the earlier criminal proceedings, the court maintained its sharp criticism of the advocate's conduct. The tree-planting directive serves as both punishment and restitution—a living reminder of professional decorum.

"Judges and lawyers should follow the principles enshrined in the Constitution in letter and spirit in their life," the High Court observed, noting that both have roles "in building a monument in the temple of justice."

Protecting judicial dignity

The court offered sobering context for its decision, noting that district judges occupy "vulnerable positions" and cannot defend themselves outside courtrooms. The ruling emphasized that while advocates owe duties to clients, they are "not agents of clients" but officers of the court who must maintain its dignity. This unusual sentence blends corrective action with ecological benefit—a judgment that might literally bear fruit for years to come.