Delhi High Court Discharges Lawyer Booked For Criminal Contempt Over Misbehaviour With Judge, Asks Him To Render Pro Bono Services

While discharging a lawyer in a criminal contempt case, the Delhi High Court has asked him to render pro bono services in at least two matters before Additional Sessions Judge (POCSO).

A division bench comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Rajneesh Kumar Gupta discharged Advocate Shivashish Gunwal who had misbehaved and raised his voice in the Court of ASJ (SC POCSO) South East District, Saket Courts.

The trial court had recorded in its order that the lawyer had indulged in unnecessary aggressive behaviour in the Court.

Upon notice, the lawyer appeared before the division bench and tendered his unconditional apology as also apologies for his conduct before the ASJ (SC POCSO) Court.

The Court said that unnecessary aggression and raising of voice in Court which demonstrates disrespect cannot be tolerated.

Observing that lawyers ought to maintain decorum in the court room, the Court said:

“However, in this case, the Court has considered the long years of practice of the Respondent. After having perused the conduct complained of and having heard the submissions made by the Respondent today, this Court is of the opinion that the apology deserves to be accepted.”

The Court directed the lawyer to render pro bono services to at least two accused or victims in the Court of ASJ (SC POCSO) South East District, Saket Courts, as may be decided by the presiding officer.

“For this purpose, the present order be communicated to the concerned Presiding Officer, who shall appoint the Respondent for rendering pro bono service in the Court in at least two matters,” the Court said.

Title: COURT ON ITS OWN MOTION v. SHIVASHISH GUNWAL ADVOCATE

Click here to read order