The Delhi High Court strongly criticised lawyers for joining virtual court hearings from moving cars, observing that such conduct causes inconvenience, wastes precious judicial time, and hampers access to justice, defeating the purpose of using technology in courts.
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.
Advocate Maria Nedumpara has alleged mistreatment by Justice Shyam Suman, stating she felt no dignity as a lawyer nor as a woman. She sent a detailed complaint to Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Bombay HC Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar.
Gujarat High Court fined a man Rs 1 lakh for appearing in a virtual hearing from a toilet. The Court called his act “contumacious” and is considering jail time.
After a video of Senior Advocate Bhaskar Tanna sipping beer during a virtual Gujarat High Court hearing went viral, SCBA President Vikas Singh urged for strict virtual court rules and punishment for those violating them.
The Delhi High Court criticised an advocate for attending a virtual hearing while standing in a park, calling it a violation of court decorum. It urged Bar Associations to sensitise lawyers on maintaining professionalism during VC proceedings.
The Allahabad High Court criticized an Investigating Officer for appearing in casual attire during court proceedings and ordered the UP DGP to enforce uniform policies for police officers in court. The court emphasized that non-compliance undermines judicial decorum, while also granting bail to the accused in a corruption-related case.
The Chhattisgarh High Court has banned litigants from bringing mobile phones and electronic devices into courtrooms to ensure decorum and integrity in proceedings. This rule applies to both switched-on and off devices. Violations will face penalties under the 2022 Live Streaming Rules, emphasizing the seriousness of maintaining courtroom discipline.
The Gurugram Bar Association has strictly warned non-lawyers against wearing advocate-like attire inside court premises, stating, “Violation May Lead to Action & Rs.5000 Fine,” and said only enrolled advocates and registered law interns may wear the professional dress.
The Supreme Court criticised the growing chaos in courtrooms, saying lawyers shouting together was damaging hearings. “Ten people look at us and shout, which voice do we catch?” Justice Bhatti remarked, expressing serious concern.
