Woman Occupies District Judge's Chair In Varanasi Court, Attempts To Conduct Hearings; Removed By Police

Dramatic scenes unfolded in the Varanasi District Court on Friday after a middle-aged woman created panic by storming a courtroom, occupying the District Judge's chair and declaring herself as the Judge.

An alleged video of the incident has gone viral on social media, in which the woman can be seen seated on the Judge's chair

As per various media reports, which cite the statements of the eyewitnesses, the woman, attempting to conduct hearings, picked up the gavel, struck the desk and shouted, "Order, Order!...Today, I am the District Judge. Present the witnesses and evidence before me!"

The drama lasted for nearly an hour before the Cantt police personnel, including female cops, removed her from the chair and detained her for further questioning.

Later, the police officials said that her behaviour indicated that the woman was suffering from mental health issues. Hence, she was subsequently released to her family members.

The incident occurred at 9:00 am, when Additional District Judge Yajuvendra Vikram Singh was on leave.

She barged into the courtroom, asked what time the Judge usually arrives and thereafter, walked up to the dais and took the seat. She also flipped through the case files on the desk.

Many attempts were made by the staff and the advocates to persuade her to step down; however, she shouted at everyone who tried to approach her.

After the courtroom was cleared, ADJ Yajuvendra Vikram Singh inspected the room. He has also ordered an official inquiry and demanded an explanation from the officers on duty as to how the woman bypassed security to enter the courtroom premises.

Local advocates claim that the woman had occupied the Judge's chair in a similar manner in the past.