Shameful & Must Be Strictly Condemned: Gujarat High Court Imposes ₹ 2L Costs On Man Who Joined Virtual Hearing From Lavatory
The Gujarat High Court emphasised that if such a person is not dealt with “strong hands,” then it may lower the dignity of the institution in the public eye.
The Gujarat High Court has imposed Rs. 2 Lakhs in costs on a man who joined a virtual hearing from a lavatory while observing that remarking that such an indecent act is not only unacceptable but is also shameful and is required to be strictly condemned.
The Court emphasised that if such a person is not dealt with “strong hands,” then it may lower the dignity of the institution in the public eye.
A Single Bench of Justice MK Thakker held, “In such scenario, the indecent act is not only unacceptable but it is a shameful and is required to be strictly condemned. If Courts do not deal with such a person with strong hands then, that may result lowering the dignity of the institution in the eyes of public.”
Advocate IG Joshi appeared for the Petitioner, while Advocate Amresh N Patel represented the Respondents.
Brief Facts
The incident occurred during an online hearing when a 42-year-old son of a litigant joined the video conference using the High Court's Zoom link but was seen in an indecent manner. He was immediately disconnected, but rejoined from what was later identified as a lavatory, prompting the Court staff to remove him again. Despite this, he re-entered the session by displaying the case number as his name.
A police inquiry was conducted following a viral video of the incident. The man later appeared before the Court and offered an unconditional apology, claiming it was an unintentional mistake as he was using the High Court website and Zoom application for the first time.
Court’s Reasoning
However, the Court rejected this explanation, noting that he held a B.Sc. degree and was employed with the Reliance Group, making it unacceptable that he was unaware of virtual Court protocols.
Consequently, the Court held, “In that background, this Court deems it fit to impose exemplary costs of Rs.2,00,000/- to the Dhaval Kanubhai Patel, who is present before this Court and same shall be deposited with the Registry within a period of two weeks from today. On depositing the costs, the Registry is directed to remit Rs.50,000/- in the account of the Shishugruh Paldi, Ahmedabad and remaining amount in the account of the Gujarat High Court Legal Aid Services Authorities.”
The Bench also ordered, “Additionally, Dhaval Kanubhai Patel is directed to report to the Special Officer, Dedicated Cell at 10:00a.m. and perform community service by cleaning the gardens of the High Court under the supervision of the Special Officer, Dedicated Cell, for a period of two weeks. The Special Officer, Dedicated Cell, shall submit a report to the Court regarding the completion of the said service.”
Cause Title: Gujarat State Co Operative Marketing Federation Limited v. President Officer & Anr. (R/SPECIAL CIVIL APPLICATION NO. 11948 of 2023)