The Supreme Court has asked Pramod Natthuji Manmode, Founder and Secretary of Nirmal Ujjwal Credit Co. Op Society, to tender an unconditional apology before the Bombay High Court’s Nagpur Bench over his conduct in a contempt case. It has requested the High Court’s Division Bench to consider dropping the suo motu criminal contempt proceedings, waiving the Rs 5 lakh cost imposed on him and removing observations that could be seen as casting aspersions on him. A three-judge Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana passed the order while hearing Manmode’s special leave petition challenging the High Court’s September 1 order.

 

The Supreme Court asked Manmode to file the unconditional apology before the High Court Bench. It requested the judges to show magnanimity and sympathy and consider the three forms of relief. The necessary steps should be completed before the next hearing, the court said. The Supreme Court also directed that the suo motu criminal contempt proceedings may remain in abeyance in the meantime. It posted the matter for further consideration on November 3, 2026. The case stems from a dispute involving Nirmal Ujwal Credit Co-operative Society \Ltd, Nagpur, of which Manmode was the secretary. The High Court had initiated contempt proceedings over non-compliance with its April 29, 2025, judgment directing the society to remove a sub-station, transformer, water treatment plant and other structures built on a 24 metre wide Development Plan road.

 

The High Court had also imposed a cost of Rs 5 lakh, citing the society’s conduct in occupying the road. During the contempt proceedings, Manmode sought the recusal of Justice Anil L Pansare, alleging that the judge was prejudiced against him because of past associations and disputes connected with the society. The High Court rejected the application, observing that Manmode had failed to produce material supporting his allegations. The High Court initiated suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against him, holding that the imputations against the judge were unwarranted and could interfere with the administration of justice. Manmode subsequently approached the Supreme Court. Sr Adv Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Adv Shakul R Ghatole Shakul, Adv Akash Gupta, and Adv Ashish Chaware represented Manmode.