New Delhi (ILNS): Justice Hima Kohli of the Delhi High Court today came down heavily on a lawyer who was recording and taking photographs of a virtual court proceeding.
The irked judge asked: “How can you take photographs in virtual court? You or your junior cannot take photographs. The rule applies to everyone… Who gave you permission to take the photograph?
“We can confiscate your phone. It’s disgusting,” the judge said.
The rebuked advocate was Udit Mehra, for taking photographs with his phone.
Justice Kohli asked: “How many years of experience do you have?”
Mehra said nine years.
As Mehra apologised, the judge said: “We don’t accept your apology. We don’t want to hear this matter. Adjourn it.”
At that point advocate Mehra said: “My junior was taking photographs.”
Justice Kohli was not impressed and said: “Ohh, so you were clicking and he was also clicking. Great! “We don’t accept any apology. Not at all. This is a virtual premise. This is Court.
Even as the lawyer kept on apologising the judge said it was a breach of court proceedings and refused to accept it. “Why don’t we issue a show cause notice to you?” she asked.
Advocate Sandeep Mittal, for petitioners, said that Udit Mehra is a briefing counsel and because of him his clients should not suffer. But the court refused to accept it.
The judge said: “Your briefing counsel clicking photographs. With nine years of experience you don’t know that you can’t take photographs?”
Then, softening down a bit, the judge said: “On the eve of festival we are letting you go, but we want to send a message to the Bar Association that we won’t take these things lightly.”
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