A lawyer was held guilty of four months behind bars by the Delhi High Court for scandalising and lowering the dignity of the judiciary. The court found him guilty on charges of making “scandalising the judiciary and using derogatory language” that brought down the reputation of judicial officers and high court judges.
The bench of Justices Pratibha M Singh and Amit Sharma, however, opined that the conduct of the lawyer appears to show an intent to “scandalise and malign” the courts. “The contemnor has no respect for the courts and the judicial system,” said the bench. It commented further that the lawyer had not even considered the step of apology for his action with brazen disregard for authority.
Court’ ruling on the matter
The court noted that the advocate had lodged scores of complaints, about 30 to 40, against judges, police officers, and judicial officers, which he claimed were aimed at scandalising the court, all of which was found to be an attempt to undermine the image of the court. “His conduct is part of a well-orchestrated design to scandalise the court and lower its dignity,” the bench added.
The counsel himself initiated suo moto contempt by making personal and insulting remarks about judges and posting inappropriate comments during virtual court proceedings. His comments in the eyes of the division bench were not only disrespectful but also aimed at settling personal grievances in further maligning the judicial process.
Lawyer could not go unpunished for scandalising the judiciary, declares Court
The court rejected the plea to suspend the sentence, condemning the lawyer’s “vilification campaign” and “brazen” conduct. His derogatory remarks and misconduct in court, concluded the bench, could not go unpunished.
The judgment also imposed a ₹2,000 fine. It ordered the police to take the lawyer into custody immediately. Thus, the judgment basically reflects a stronger stance by the high court toward any infringement attempt on judiciary’s integrity and authority.
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