'Vulgarity During Court Proceedings': Madras HC Initiates Contempt Action Against Lawyer

About the incident that occurred in the court of Justice G.K Ilanthiraiyan, a Division bench of Justice P.N. Prakash and Justice R. Hemalatha noted:

"This Court cannot afford to be a mute spectator and turn a Nelson's eye when such brazen vulgarity is publicly displayed amidst Court proceedings."

Therefore, the court took cognisance of the video clipping that was being circulated in social media, and asked CB-CID to register a suo motu FIR on the same.

"Since the impugned video clipping prima facie discloses the commission of cognizable offences under the Information Technology Act and other penal laws, the CB-CID shall register a suo motu FIR on the impugned video clipping and file a preliminary report before this Court on 23.12.2021 (Thursday) naming the 'dramatis personae' who are found engaged in the vulgar activity"

The Police Commissioner, Greater Chennai, has been instructed to take steps in order to block the circulation of vulgar video.

The Registry has been asked to preserve the video recording of the court proceedings where the incident transpired. The court has also directed the Registrar (I.T.-cum-Statistics) to coordinate with CB-CID and if required, furnish the impugned video clipping and other evidence, to the CB-CID. The Registrar has also been asked to take steps for removal of the impugned video clipping from the internet.

While concluding, the court also made an important observation about the procedure of court proceedings:

"Superadded, we are of the considered view that it is high time that we revisit the procedure of conducting Court proceedings in hybrid mode, especially in the light of the fact that Advocates, in large numbers, have started appearing in person in our High Court as well in the District Courts. However, a decision in this regard has to be taken by the Hon'ble Acting Chief Justice before whom this matter may be placed."

The matter has been posted now for 23^rd December, 2021.

Today, The Bar Council of Tamil Nadu & Puducherry has provisionally barred the practice of the said Advocate till the disposal of Disciplinary proceedings pending against him for his indecent behaviour while attending the Court proceedings.

Case No: Suo Motu Criminal Contempt Petition No.1699/ 2021