A recent incident at the Gujarat High Court has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about etiquette during virtual court proceedings. On June 20, a man joined a virtual hearing while sitting on a toilet, and the video quickly went viral. The session was presided over by Justice Nirzar S Desai.
The man logged in under the name ‘Sarmad Battery’ and appeared on screen wearing Bluetooth earphones. Initially, he was shown in a close-up frame. However, moments later, he moved his phone, revealing that he was seated on a toilet. The video captures him flushing, cleaning himself, and then dressing before leaving the washroom—all while still connected to the court session.
According to reports, the man was involved in a case concerning the cancellation of an FIR. After this bizarre incident, he returned to the screen from a different room. This unusual behaviour has sparked a wave of reactions online. Some users condemned the act as disgraceful, while others tried to justify it, suggesting he may have health issues.
Comments on social media ranged from sarcastic remarks to genuine concerns. One user wrote, “At least switch off the camera,” while another commented, “From courtroom to washroom.” This incident has led to calls for stricter guidelines for virtual court proceedings to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This is not the first time the Gujarat High Court has faced such inappropriate conduct during online hearings. In March, a man named Dhaval Patel was fined ₹2 lakh after appearing indecently from a bathroom during a virtual session. The court condemned his actions, calling them a threat to the dignity of the judiciary. Of the fine, ₹50,000 was donated to an orphanage, and the remaining amount was directed to the Legal Aid Authority. Patel was also ordered to complete two weeks of community service at the court garden.
In another instance, Vamdev Gadhvi was fined ₹25,000 for attending a hearing while lying in bed. These repeated incidents have raised serious concerns about maintaining decorum in virtual courtrooms. Legal experts are emphasising that remote hearings must uphold the same standards as in-person proceedings.
Many legal professionals and citizens are calling for a review of the protocols surrounding virtual hearings. They argue that the dignity of the court must be preserved, even in a digital format. The growing trend of virtual hearings, while beneficial for accessibility, has also brought forward challenges in maintaining professionalism and decorum.
In conclusion, the incident involving the man attending a virtual hearing from a toilet highlights the need for stricter guidelines in virtual court sessions. As technology continues to shape the legal landscape, it is crucial to ensure that all participants uphold the dignity of the judiciary. The Gujarat High Court’s recent experiences serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining decorum, whether in-person or online.
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