Delhi High Court Rules on Lawyer's Contempt

The Delhi High Court has found a lawyer guilty of criminal contempt for appearing inebriated and using abusive language in a traffic case, declaring such behavior 'unpardonable.' The incident occurred in 2015, where the lawyer disrupted court proceedings and insulted a female judicial officer, prompting her to ask him to leave. Although the court expressed a desire to impose a punitive sentence, it ultimately decided against it, as the lawyer had already served over five months in detention related to the same incident. The court emphasized that the language used scandalized the court and interfered with justice, aligning with the legal definition of criminal contempt. This ruling underscores the judiciary's zero tolerance for breaches of courtroom decorum. The case highlights the need for accountability among legal professionals in maintaining the integrity of judicial proceedings.