Lawyers appear from park, moving vehicles: Delhi HC reminds Bar of decorum set during COVID virtual hearings

The Delhi High Court has once again stressed the importance of maintaining courtroom decorum during virtual hearings, following an incident involving a female lawyer who appeared via video conferencing while walking in a park.

'Not meant for public spaces'

According to Live Law, Justice Girish Kathpalia took exception to the lawyer’s conduct, asserting that the facility for video conferencing was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist advocates in attending proceedings from their offices—not from public spaces.

The lawyer claimed she was present at Agra Court at the time of the hearing. However, the judge refused to mark her appearance, remarking, “This does not mean that the counsel would appear standing in a park.”

'Sections of the Bar still non-compliant'

Justice Kathpalia further observed that “certain sections of the Bar” continue to disregard repeated instructions regarding courtroom etiquette during virtual appearances.

Despite declining to formally record the lawyer’s appearance, the Court proceeded to hear the bail plea of Suraj Das, who faces charges under IPC Sections 498A, 304B, and 34. The judge noted this was done to ensure the litigant did not suffer due to the lapse on the part of counsel.

Notice to police, order to Bar Associations

The Court issued a notice in the matter and directed Delhi Police to submit a status report. Copies of the order have been forwarded to all Bar Associations in Delhi, with a renewed appeal to sensitise their members on appropriate conduct during virtual hearings.

A previous bench had similarly criticised advocates who attended proceedings from moving vehicles, calling such behaviour inappropriate.