Gujarat HC Orders 3 Judge Committee Report In Yatin Oza Contempt Case Be Brought On Record [Read Order[

The Division Bench of Justices Sonia Gokani and NV Anjaria directed that the Report be taken on record after amicus curiae Shalin Mehta relied on it to rebut Oza's defence.

Senior Advocate Arvind Datar, appearing on behalf of Mr. Oza, had argued that neither the amicus curiae nor anyone else made a mention that Oza's statements, that led to initiation of contempt proceedings, were false. He therefore sought to take the defence of truth against the contempt prosecution.

In this backdrop the Bench said,

"In the aforementioned background, we deem it appropriate to bring the said report on record. Let the report of the committee which is undisputedly conveyed to the Respondent on dated:10.06.2020 officially and which is also in the public domain as also annexed in his Writ Petition be brought on record of the proceedings of this matter."

A three-Judges Committee was appointed by the Chief Justice to examine the allegations of favouritism in the matter of circulation of matters by the Registry. Its report was finalized in June.

The Court has granted some time to Mr. Oza to respond to the averments in the Report.

"Considering the fact that the final submissions of both the sides having already been concluded and as mentioned above, both the sides having also argued on the very report, when the same is decided, to be taken on record, today, principle of fairness would warrant to AVAIL a further opportunity to the respondent, if, he has anything further to adduce or submit in this connection or otherwise."

The Gujarat High Court had issued criminal contempt notice against then Senior Advocate Yatin Oza on June 10, for making "scurrilous remarks" against High Court and its Registry, during a live press conference on Facebook.

After a series of developments in the matter, including rejection of challenge to the contempt proceedings by the Supreme Court, Mr. Oza tendered an unconditional apology before the High Court.

On August 26 however, the Full Court rejected his apology for lacking in bonafides. The Full Court was of the opinion that Oza's apology was forthcoming in the backdrop of initiation of contempt proceedings against him and after stripping of his senior designation.

'Remorse Expressed Is A Tool To Escape The Consequences Of His Misconduct': Gujarat HC Full Court Rejects Yatin Oza's Unconditional Apology

Subsequently, the Division Bench in this case also rejected his apology stating that the same "lacks sincerity"

Notably, Oza had challenged the High Court's decision to strip him off his designation as senior. The same was listed for directions on September 29 but was deferred in the backdrop of the present proceedings.

'Yatin Oza Due To Argue Before HC Tomorrow On Point Of Truth', SC Told; Matter Listed On October 13 For Directions