The Delhi High Court has taken strong exception to the conduct of a respondent in a criminal contempt matter who, despite clear directions, failed to appear physically before the Court and instead joined the proceedings virtually, during which he allegedly threatened the Court.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja noted that the respondent had willfully disobeyed its earlier directions requiring him to be present in person. While acknowledging that he had joined the proceedings through video conferencing, the Court recorded that the respondent had gone to the extent of threatening the Court during the hearing. Terming the conduct as extremely serious, the Bench cautioned the respondent that such behaviour would amount to compounding of contempt.
Reiterating its earlier directions, the Court again called upon the respondent to appear physically before it on the next date of hearing. The Bench made it clear that failure to do so would leave the Court with no option but to take appropriate coercive steps to ensure his presence.
In order to assist the Court, Dr. Amit George was requested to act as Amicus Curiae in the matter. The Registry was directed to supply a copy of the paperbook of the contempt petition to the amicus.
Significantly, the Court also directed that from the next date of hearing onwards, the entire proceedings shall be recorded and preserved, subject to further directions of the Court, underscoring the seriousness with which the matter is being monitored.
The case has been listed for further hearing on March 23, 2026.
Appearances:
For the Petitioner: None
For the Respondent: Respondent through VC; Mr.Aman Usman, APP with; Mr.Manvendra Yadav, Adv.; SI Ashok Rajbaniya, PS Anand Vihar
