Gujarat High Court: While taking suo motu cognizance based on a video clip of live streaming of proceedings circulated in the social media, where Senior Advocate was seen having a drink in a beer mug, the Division Bench of AS Supehia* and RT Vachhani, JJ, directed the Registry to issue notice to the Senior advocate and restricted his appearance through virtual mode before that bench.
The video clip showed Senior Advocate talking on his phone and having a drink from a beer bug while attending a virtual hearing on 26-6-2025. The Court opined that such an outrageous and glaring conduct of a Senior Advocate, would have wide ramifications as it defiled the privilege of Senior Counsel adorned to him. The Court opined that the Senior Counsel designation adorned to him required reconsideration after such an act but left it open to be discussed at a later stage.
The Court referred to Rule 5(j) the Gujarat High Court (Live Streaming of Court Proceedings) Rules, 2021 which stated that anyone participating in the proceedings, whether in person or through video conferencing, would have to maintain utmost discipline and decorum for upholding the dignity and majesty of the Court. Further, as per Rule 5(l), violation of the provisions of the Rules would entail proceedings under the provisions of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 and other applicable penal laws.
The Court further noted that such acts would also affect young lawyers at the bar since they often take senior counsels as their mentors and role models. The Court also stated that if acts which dent the glory and dignity of the institution are ignored and disregarded, it would be destructive to the rule of law.
In light of the same, the Court directed the Registry to register suo motu contempt proceedings against Senior Advocate and issued notice for the same and also restricted his appearance through virtual hearings.
The matter was listed to further hearing after two weeks.
[Suo Motu v. Bhaskar Tanna, decided on 1-7-2025]
