NAGPUR: The Supreme Court has asked Pramod Natthuji Manmode, Founder and Secretary of Nirmal Ujjwal Credit Co-operative Society, to tender an unconditional apology before the Bombay High Court’s Nagpur Bench in a criminal contempt case.
A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, requested the High Court to consider dropping the suo motu criminal contempt proceedings, waiving the ₹5 lakh cost imposed on Manmode and removing observations that could be construed as casting aspersions on him.
The order was passed while hearing Manmode’s special leave petition challenging the High Court’s September 1 order. The Supreme Court asked him to submit the apology before the High Court and requested the Division Bench to consider the reliefs with magnanimity and sympathy.
The Court also directed that the contempt proceedings remain in abeyance in the meantime. The matter has been listed for further consideration on November 3, 2026.
Background of the Case
The contempt case arose from the society’s alleged non-compliance with an April 29, 2025, judgment of the High Court directing it to remove a substation, transformer, water treatment plant and other structures constructed on a 24-metre-wide Development Plan road. The High Court had imposed a cost of ₹5 lakh, citing the society’s occupation of the road.
During the contempt proceedings, Manmode sought the recusal of Justice Anil L. Pansare, alleging prejudice arising from past associations and disputes linked to the society. The High Court rejected the plea, observing that he had failed to produce supporting material.
The High Court subsequently initiated suo motu criminal contempt proceedings, holding that the allegations against the judge were unwarranted and could interfere with the administration of justice.
Manmode then approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Court’s order.
