The Supreme Court bench comprising of Justices M.R. Shah and B.V. Nagarathna was hearing a case, where the Respondent made allegations that he has been pressurised/forced by the representatives of the Appellants to sign on blank papers and visits threatening him were made to his residence by the representatives to force him into a “settlement” which according to him is neither amicable nor voluntary and nor equitable.
The Bench found that if anybody had tried to pressurize the original complainant and pressurized him to enter into a settlement and any threatening visits were made to the residence of the original complainant, further order could be passed by the National Commission.
The Supreme Court bench observed that "It cannot be disputed that free access and unfettered right to approach/justice, as permissible by law, is inbuilt in our judicial system where rule of law prevails. Any attempt to impede or obstruct the course of justice, not to speak of exercising any coercion against anybody, who is before the court or authority in order to seek justice, cannot be lightly taken or be countenanced with."
However, at the same time, the case of the complainant is yet to be adjudicated upon and/or established and proved and the opportunities are to be given to the Appellants/ opposite parties, the bench further said.