‘Not permissible’: Delhi HC raps lawyer for attending virtual hearing while driving car
India Today
The Delhi High Court on Friday blasted a lawyer who attended a virtual hearing while driving a car, eventually adjourning proceedings over the faux pas.
The Delhi High Court on Friday blasted a lawyer who attended a virtual hearing while driving a car. The court eventually adjourned proceedings in the case for the day without hearing arguments.
Justice Mukta Gupta, who was hearing former AAP councilor Tahir Hussain’s plea challenging the invocation of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) charges against him in the Delhi riots case, upbraided his counsel when he joined the virtual hearing from behind the wheel of his car.
The judge said that the advocate’s actions were not appropriate and he should observe some decorum while appearing before the court.
“This Court takes no exception if the counsels join from mobile phone or while sitting in the car. But you can’t be driving the car and arguing the matter. At least this courtesy the counsel must extend," Justice Mukta Gupta said.
While noting that allowances can be made for lack of access to electronic devices and internet connectivity issues during virtual proceedings, the judge averred that laxity has limits.
“This is not permitted, you cannot go to this extent. I understand the constrains of the places and all that. Everybody does not have all the instruments, but then, that doesn't mean that you will be driving,” she said.
Following this exchange, the court adjourned the hearing to April 19.
