Supreme Court Discharges Pardeep Sharma Following Unconditional Apology

Special Leave Petition Dismissed as Infructuous After High Court Accepts Apology in Contempt Proceedings

In a recent decision, the Supreme Court of India has disposed of a Special Leave Petition filed by Pardeep Sharma, after the Punjab and Haryana High Court accepted his unconditional apology in a contempt of court matter. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan, and Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh, found that the petition had become infructuous following the High Court’s acceptance of Sharma’s apology and subsequent discharge from the contempt proceedings.

The case arose when Pardeep Sharma was involved in contempt proceedings initiated by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. In response to an order dated September 15, 2025, Sharma tendered an unconditional apology and provided an undertaking before the High Court. Demonstrating judicial magnanimity, the High Court accepted his apology and discharged him from the contempt proceedings.

As a result of these developments, the Supreme Court noted that the Special Leave Petition was no longer necessary and thus disposed of it. This decision underscores the importance of contrition and accountability in legal proceedings, highlighting the judiciary's willingness to accept sincere apologies as a resolution to contempt matters.

The Supreme Court's order also concluded that all pending applications related to the case were disposed of, thereby bringing closure to the legal proceedings against Sharma.

Bottom Line:

Contempt of court - Unconditional apology tendered and undertaking given by petitioner - High Court accepted apology and discharged petitioner from contempt proceedings - Special Leave Petition rendered infructuous.

Statutory provision(s): Contempt of Court Act

Pardeep Sharma v. Punjab And Haryana High Court, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2811150