The Delhi High Court has sentenced YouTuber Gulshan Pahuja to six months of simple imprisonment in a criminal contempt case, ruling that he persisted in making scandalous remarks against the judiciary and displayed no remorse for his actions. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 in each contempt matter, with both sentences to run concurrently.
Court Observations
A bench comprising Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja noted that during the sentencing hearing, Pahuja made further adverse comments about the judicial system, stating that “adaalaton ki manmarzi badhti jaa rahi hai” and adding that “manmarzi ka dusra arth taanashahi hota hai.” The judges observed that the contemnor neither expressed regret nor showed any intention to reform his conduct. Instead, he compounded the contempt by repeating such statements during court proceedings. The bench further held that granting leniency in such cases could encourage repetition of similar conduct in the future.
Background of the Case
The contempt case originated from videos allegedly uploaded by Pahuja containing allegations against judicial officers in proceedings titled Court on its Own Motion v. Shiv Narayan Sharma & Ors. / Deepak Singh, Advocate & Anr. During the hearing, Pahuja sought recall of the April 21 judgment that had found him guilty of criminal contempt, arguing procedural irregularities and alleging violations of his constitutional rights under Articles 14, 20(3), and 21. He also claimed he had not been fully heard and that judicial officers involved were not subjected to cross-examination.
However, the court refused to revisit its earlier conviction, stating that it could not act as a review forum for its own judgment, though the contemnor remained free to challenge it in accordance with law.
Amicus Curiae Submission
Amicus curiae Harsh Prabhakar informed the court that Pahuja had continued uploading videos against judicial officers despite an earlier restraint order passed in May 2025, arguing that a mere fine would not be sufficient in the case.
Sentence Suspended for Appeal
The court suspended the sentence for 60 days after Pahuja indicated his intention to approach the Supreme Court, invoking Section 19(3) of the Contempt of Courts Act. It directed that in the absence of any interim relief from the apex court, he must surrender before the Registrar General after the expiry of the period.
