A lawyer appearing before the Gujarat High Court made a remark during a virtual hearing that has since stirred controversy. The lawyer stated, "Let the judge do whatever," in response to the bench's observations, leading to the court expressing strong displeasure.
Incident During Virtual Hearing
The incident occurred on a Wednesday when the court was hearing a matter via video conferencing. The lawyer, representing a party, made the comment after the judge indicated a particular course of action. The bench, comprising Justices A S Supehia and Aniruddha Mayee, took exception to the remark, noting that such language undermines the dignity of the court.
The judge said, "Such statements are not expected from a lawyer. You are an officer of the court and must maintain decorum." The court asked the lawyer to explain his conduct, warning that appropriate action could be taken if the explanation was not satisfactory.
Legal Community Reacts
The remark has drawn reactions from the legal fraternity. Senior advocates have expressed concern over the growing trend of casual comments during virtual hearings. One senior lawyer said, "Virtual hearings require even greater discipline as the court's authority must be respected despite the physical distance." The Gujarat High Court Advocates' Association has also taken note of the incident and may issue a statement regarding professional conduct.
According to court sources, the lawyer later tendered an apology, but the bench reserved its order on the matter. The incident highlights challenges in maintaining courtroom etiquette in virtual settings, which have become routine since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact on Virtual Court Proceedings
This event adds to a series of instances where lawyers have made inappropriate remarks during online hearings. Courts across India have repeatedly emphasized the need for respectful communication. The Gujarat High Court has previously issued guidelines for virtual hearings, requiring participants to maintain the same standards as physical courts.
The bench stated, "We expect all advocates to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism. Any deviation will be viewed seriously." The court is likely to pass an order on the lawyer's explanation in the coming days.
