A First Information Report (FIR) filed against Kerala lawyer TK Ajan for inappropriate behaviour during a virtual court hearing. The incident took place on September 2 when Ajan appeared via video conference before the Additional District Judge in Thodupuzha, Idukki. During the session, he allegedly exposed himself and made obscene gestures.
Kerala: A First Information Report (FIR) registered against a lawyer in Kerala for allegedly exposing himself and making obscene gestures during a virtual court appearance.
The incident took place on September 2 when advocate TK Ajan appeared via video conference before the Additional District Judge in Thodupuzha, Idukki, and engaged in indecent behavior.
Read Also: Lawyers “Browbeating” Angers Gujarat High Court Judge
In response, the court promptly terminated the video conference session.
In its order, the Court stated,
“When the case was set aside for hearing, the counsel representing the appellant displayed nudity along with certain gestures. As a result, the case was adjourned with instructions to the appellant to ensure his counsel appears in person before the court, as the Google Meet was switched off to prevent further display of such gestures.”
The case subsequently rescheduled for October 3.
Following the incident, the Bench clerk filed a complaint, leading to an FIR being registered against the lawyer. The charges include offences under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for “word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman,” and Section 119(1)(a) of the Kerala Police Act for “sexual gestures or acts in public places degrading the dignity of women.”
The lawyer in question participating in a virtual court session when he reportedly observed making obscene gestures of a sexual nature. Virtual court hearings have become increasingly common in India, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a way to ensure the continuation of legal proceedings without physical presence in courtrooms.
Read Also: ‘Lawyers Strikes Unacceptable’: Supreme Court Enforces ‘zero tolerance’ Policy
However, this shift to virtual platforms posed challenges in maintaining the decorum and discipline traditionally associated with courtrooms.
The incident immediately brought to the attention of the authorities by court officials and other attendees who witnessed the act. The inappropriate behaviour not only a violation of professional ethics but also a breach of legal conduct, prompting a swift response from the judiciary. The FIR lodged to ensure that the matter investigated thoroughly, and that the individual responsible faced legal consequences.