Appearing before the Supreme Court on Wednesday for the first time, two advocate sons sought bail for their father, who has spent over nine years in prison, telling the Court they were willing to surrender even their licences to practise to ensure that he will not abscond.

Opening the case, one of the brothers informed the Bench that the petitioner had already undergone more than nine years of imprisonment and referred to the Court’s earlier concern about the possibility of him absconding if released on bail. Seeking to allay those apprehensions, counsel submitted that they were even willing to surrender their licences to practise if that would satisfy the Court.

Counsel explained that the earlier allegation of absconding arose nearly a decade ago under exceptional circumstances, submitting that an FIR had been registered after nine persons allegedly reached the Saket Court to assassinate the petitioner.

Justice Sheel Nagu, on learning that counsels are appearing for their father, remarked:

Counsel immediately apologised, explaining that the senior counsel cannot appear before the vacation bench. After hearing the submissions, the Bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Sheel Nagu directed that the matter be listed on a later date for consideration.