AHMEDABAD, India — The Gujarat High Court has initiated contempt proceedings against a senior counsel after he was seen drinking from a beer mug and talking on his phone during a virtual hearing. This action was taken following what the court described as “outrageous and glaring” conduct, prompting strong reactions from legal authorities.
During a session held on June 25, Justice AS Supehia and Justice RT Vachhani expressed their dismay over the behavior exhibited by Bhaskar Tanna, who was observed engaged in a phone conversation while consuming a beverage. A video clip showcasing Tanna’s conduct quickly circulated on social media, raising serious concerns about professionalism within the court proceedings.
The court emphasized that Tanna’s actions not only disrespected the court’s decorum but also posed a significant threat to the rule of law. “If such behavior is overlooked, it will have destructive implications for legal integrity,” Justice Supehia remarked during the session.
As a result of this incident, the judges directed the court registry to begin suo motu contempt proceedings against Tanna. “We are instructing that a report be prepared for our review ahead of the next hearing date,” they stated, making it clear that the matter would receive immediate attention.
In legal terms, “suo motu” indicates a court’s prerogative to act on its own initiative, highlighting the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining order. Alongside initiating the contempt proceedings, the court prohibited Tanna from appearing virtually before the bench until further notice.
Justice Supehia noted that Tanna’s conduct violated the privileges typically granted to a senior counsel. “His title should indeed be reconsidered,” the justice said, suggesting that further deliberation will determine the next steps regarding Tanna’s professional standing.
The upcoming hearings related to these contempt proceedings are scheduled for two weeks from now. This incident comes on the heels of a separate viral video from a week earlier that documented another individual attending Gujarat High Court proceedings while seated on a toilet, further adding to concerns about courtroom decorum.
This evolving situation underscores the importance of professionalism and respect within legal institutions, as the judiciary continues to grapple with issues of appropriate conduct in an increasingly digital legal landscape.
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