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Imposes ₹1 Lakh Cost on Advocate for from Car
In a stern reminder about courtroom decorum in the digital age, the has imposed a cost of ₹1 lakh on an advocate for joining a from a moving car. The order was passed by Justice Om Prakash Shukla on , while hearing initiated by and against the .
A Costly Virtual Appearance
The court noted that
, appearing for the
banks, joined the video conference from a moving vehicle. The judge observed that while virtual hearings offer convenience, it cannot come
"at the cost of the
or cause disturbance in the
."
The court emphasized that it handles over 70 matters a day, and background noise and movement are disruptive.
The 's Electronic Evidence and Video Conferencing Rules, 2025, explicitly require advocates to avoid joining proceedings from vehicles except in exceptional circumstances with prior court permission. The court found no such circumstances existed and termed the conduct a violation of the rules.
Delay Also Flagged
Separately, the court noted that the on the dated , was paid on —beyond the one-month period prescribed under the judgment in . However, , also appearing for the , informed the court that the along with penalty had already been deposited with the Collector and proof would be submitted within a week.
The Court's Observations
In its order, the court made clear that the rule against joining from vehicles is not merely procedural.
"The requirement is not merely procedural and to ensure that even when Counsel appear virtually, they do so from an environment conducive to the proper functioning of this Court,"
the judge wrote.
The court also noted:
"While this Court appreciates the convenience offered by virtual hearings, such convenience cannot come at the cost of the
or cause disturbance in the
."
Decision and Next Steps
Justice Shukla directed Advocate Goyal to deposit the ₹1 lakh cost with the Legal Services Committee within one week. The matter has been listed for further hearing on , to verify compliance with the payment.
The order serves as a that virtual hearings, while efficient, must adhere to the same standards of respect and decorum expected in physical courtrooms.
