The Delhi High Court discharged a lawyer in a contempt case after he tendered an unconditional apology for using inappropriate language toward a woman judicial officer. The Court accepted his assurance to always maintain the decorum and dignity of the judiciary.
The Delhi High Court released an advocate from contempt proceedings after he expressed an unconditional apology for allegedly misbehaving with a female Judicial Officer and using derogatory and threatening language during court sessions.
A Division Bench noted that the advocate demonstrated genuine remorse and assured the court that such behavior would not happen again.
The order stated,
“He assures that he would always maintain the decorum and dignity of the Court and would not repeat such act in future,”
The proceedings were initiated following a complaint from a Judicial Magistrate stationed at Dwarka Courts in South-West Delhi. The Magistrate reported that the advocate had allegedly used offensive and intimidating language in her courtroom during judicial proceedings.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, the High Court treated the complaint as a case of criminal contempt and began proceedings against the advocate.
As the case progressed, the advocate submitted an affidavit offering an unconditional apology for his actions and requested forgiveness from the Court. He was instructed to appear before the relevant Magistrate to provide a written apology to her as well.
In a later report to the High Court, the Magistrate confirmed that the advocate had come before her and presented a written apology for his conduct. The Bench noted this report and recognized that the advocate reiterated his apology in court, committing to uphold the highest standards of professional behavior.
Accepting the apology, the Bench remarked that the advocate had shown “sincere regret and contrition” and therefore did not require any further punitive measures.
The Judges stated in their order dated October 9,
“In view of the above, this Court, while accepting the abovesaid unconditional apology, discharges the respondent–contemnor from the contempt proceedings,”
The Bench also recorded the advocate’s commitment to exercising caution in the future and maintaining decorum in the courtroom, thereby closing the contempt proceedings.