Om Prakash Chautala vs Kanwar Bhan & Ors

The Supreme Court held that the observations made by the High Court regarding the appellant's conduct, despite the appellant not being a party to the writ petition, did not constitute a legal stricture causing prejudice. The Court emphasized the importance of reputation as an integral part of Article 21 of the Constitution, asserting that any adverse comments must adhere to the principles of natural justice, particularly the doctrine of audi alteram partem. The Court upheld the Division Bench's view that the observations were not conclusive and that the appellant would have the opportunity to defend himself in any subsequent proceedings.