Yesterday, on November 4th, the Delhi High Court reprimanded Advocate Ravi Kumar for disruptive behavior during a hearing, leading to potential contempt proceedings. Justice Kathpalia noted Kumar’s persistent interruptions during dictation, forcing him to conclude in chambers. The case involves a challenge against United Insurance Company regarding alleged malpractices. The Court’s actions highlight the importance of maintaining decorum and respect in judicial proceedings.
New Delhi: Yesterday, in a stern move, the Delhi High Court asked Advocate Ravi Kumar to explain why contempt of court proceedings should not be initiated against him for repeatedly interrupting the court’s dictation of an order. The incident, recorded by Justice Girish Kathpalia during a hearing in Mrs. Shalini Singh v. United Insurance Company Limited and Ors., led the judge to shift to his chambers to complete the dictation, highlighting judicial intolerance toward disruptive behavior in court.
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Justice Kathpalia remarked that Kumar, representing the petitioner, continuously interrupted the court’s dictation and disregarded warnings that such actions could be viewed as contempt. The judge noted in his November 4 order that Kumar’s conduct left him with no choice but to finish dictating the order privately, recording, “The counsel for petitioner is not permitting me to dictate this order and continues interrupting. As such, the order shall be passed in chamber.”
This disruption occurred during a plea by Kumar’s client against United Insurance Company (UIC) Limited, challenging her removal and accusing the General Manager (HR) of malpractices. The Court posed several questions to Kumar, seeking clarity on the petitioner’s claims, particularly those alleging that UIC paid over Rs 2 crores to their lawyers, a claim the Court questioned as possibly “scandalous and irrelevant.”
However, instead of responding, Kumar’s interruptions continued, resulting in Justice Kathpalia directing Kumar to justify his conduct during the next hearing, scheduled for January 9, 2025. The Court’s firm approach reflects a stance to uphold courtroom decorum and respect for judicial processes, indicating serious implications for disruptions in court.
This case underscores the Court’s commitment to maintaining order and respect within the judicial system, emphasizing that lawyers must adhere to professional decorum even in contentious cases.
Read the Judgement here:
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