The Supreme Court said today it was "shell-shocked" at the chain of events involving Uttar Pradesh Advocate General Raghvendra Singh who was rebuked by the Allahabad High Court for not appearing before it in a case.
The advocate general, the highest law officer of the state government, turned up in the apex court and tendered his apology for not appearing before a high court bench.
A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and M M Shantanagoudar extended the interim stay on the high court order after rebuking Singh and asking the chief secretary of the state to appear before it.
"We are shell-shocked at the whole chain of events. It is very unfortunate. It is very sad," the bench said and asked Singh to do introspection.
The bench after perusing the orders passed by the high court observed that it seemed it was a "personality clash" which migh ultimately damage the credibility of the institution.
The bench said the high court should restrain itself from further "precipitating the unsavoury situation".
It observed that if the chief secretary will keep on filing affidavit and appearing in courts then how will the governance work.
Attorney General K K Venugopal tendered an unconditional apology on behalf of the advocate general.
Senior advocate R S Suri, the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), was present in the courtroom along with other lawyers and asked the bench as to what could be a solution in such circumstances.
"It's time that you (Singh) take a step back and introspect," the court said, adding that the issue required further deliberation.
The court asked the attorney general as to whether indulgence of the chief justice of the high court could be sought in the matter.
"What is the solution. It should be very clear in terms. We have to find a solution," the bench told the advocate general.
Singh said that he is ready to follow whatever direction the court passes.
The apex court also urged the high court not pass any further order against Singh and the chief secretary till August 11, the next date of hearing.
The high Court had in its three orders on July 28, July 31 and August 1, expressed displeasure over the conduct of the advocate general for not appearing before it despite repeated calls.
It had even said that indulgence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would be sought on the issue and had directed the chief secretary to appear before it.
The Uttar Pradesh government had challenged the order of the high court.
On August 2, the apex court had stayed the three HC orders and asked Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha to ensure the presence of Singh in the court today.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)