MP High Court Issues Contempt Notice Over Bench Hunting Allegations

The Madhya Pradesh High Court today ruled that a clear case of bench hunting had been observed in a recent proceeding. Bench hunting refers to the practice of seeking a specific judge for a case, often to influence the outcome. In response, the court has issued a contempt notice to the Chief Executive Officer of the Gujarat Development Authority (GDA) and to an advocate involved in the matter. The notice demands that the parties comply with the court’s directives and outlines potential penalties for non‑compliance. The decision underscores the court’s commitment to maintaining judicial integrity and deterring attempts to manipulate the bench selection process.