Bombay HC Imposes Rs.50,000 Cost On A Doctor From Aurangabad For Video-Recording Court Proceedings [Read Order]

The Bombay High Court recently imposed a cost of Rs.50,000 on Dr.Vikram Deshmukh and seized his mobile phone along with his Aadhar card after the court clerk saw him making a video of proceedings and told the sheristedar.

Justice RV Ghuge was hearing a writ petition filed by Gangabai Kappawar, a sarpanch who had been disqualified and filed a writ petition seeking relief. While the petitioner's lawyer SS Thombre was arguing, Court Sheristedar was informed by the clerk that one person accompanying the husband of the petitioner, was video-recording the proceedings in the Court.

The person recording the proceedings was identified as Dr.Vikram Deshmukh and once his phone was examined and it was confirmed that he was recording the proceedings, Court called upon the petitioner's advocate to ask him as to the quantum of punishment that he would want to undergo, either seven days in jail or fine of Rs. 1,00,000.

However, Court noted -

"He pleaded guilty, apologised and stated that he will deposit an amount of Rs. 50,000 as fine on or before 25.09.2019. I, therefore, direct that the amount of Rs. 50,000 shall be deposited by Dr.Vikram Shridharrao Deshmukh, in this Court, on or before 25.09.2019.

If the amount is not deposited, this Court would initiate a contempt proceeding for aggravated contempt against Dr. Vikram Deshmukh, besides passing appropriate orders for recovery of amount. In view of the said conduct, this matter will be heard only after the amount of fine is deposited in this Court."

Apart from this, Dr.Deshmukh's Aadhar card and mobile phone were confiscated and both are to be kept with the Registrar until further orders.

Court also observed that Dr.Deshmukh's conduct shall not affect the petitioner's case and directed the Registrar to download the said video and preserve his cell phone and Aadhaar card.

Click Here To Download Order

[Read Order]