Rajasthan High Court Seizes Mobile Phone After Litigant's Driver Found Recording Court Proceedings, Issues Contempt Notice

Rajasthan High Court issued show-cause notices to a litigant and his driver involved in recording the Court proceedings using mobile phone, in a covert and unauthorized manner, terming the act as prima facie criminal contempt under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

The bench of Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand observed that the actions not only amounted to interference with the administration of justice but also lowered the dignity of the Court.

For context, while hearing a matter, the Court found someone making recording of the proceedings in the matter. On enquiry, the person admitted to the fact, and revealed that he was the driver of the petitioner in the matter which was being heard.

This act was stated to be a “serious interference in the Administration of Justice” and also a prima facie case of criminal contempt. The Court highlighted,

“Even, Rule 3(vi) of the Rajasthan High Court Rules for Video Conferencing for Courts, 2020, clearly and expressly prohibits the recording of Court proceedings in any manner, as the said Rule lays down that there shall be no unauthorized recording of the proceedings by any person or entity.”

In this background, the Court issued notice to the driver and the concerned petitioner in the case, to show cause as to why contempt proceedings shall not be initiated against them.

Further, observing that the driver's act also amounted to intentionally causing interruption in the judicial proceedings, the Court directed the Registrar to lodge a report against the driver.

Furthermore, the Registrar was directed to seize the mobile of the driver, while the Station House Officer was directed to take appropriate legal action against him.

Title: Kamal Rathore v State of Rajasthan, and other connected matters

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Raj) 180

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