Delhi High Court Initiates Suo Motu Contempt Case Against Litigant For Abusing Court On VC, Making Derogatory Remarks

The Delhi High Court has recently initiated suo motu contempt case against a litigant for “abusing the court” by joining proceedings virtually and making derogatory remarks lowering the dignity of the court. 

Calling it “patently contemptuous”, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna issued show cause notice to one Anita Kumari Gupta, who is presently living in Sydney, Australia, as to why she be not punished under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

The court also directed the FRRO to impound Gupta's Passport or VISA on her arrival in case she comes to India before April 16, the next date of hearing when she has been asked to appear before the court.

Justice Krishna further ordered that Gupta be not permitted to leave the country, if she arrives here, without the direction of the court.

“The High Commission of India at Canberra, Australia is also directed to communicate this Order to the plaintiff/Anita Kumari Gupta, who is stated to be living at present in Sydney, Australia, through Consulate General of India, Sydney, Australia,” the court said.

Gupta had filed the suit in 2011 against various individuals with respect to mutation of a property situated at city's Pusa Road.

On January 10, the matter, which was being heard at the stage of final arguments, was adjourned to January 16 at the joint consent of the parties.

After the date was given and another item was taken up, Gupta, who had joined the proceedings through video conferencing, “abused the Court” saying "What The F.... is Going On In This Court”.

“Such aforesaid derogatory remarks made by the plaintiff/Anita Kumari Gupta to denigrate the Court are patently contemptuous and show the complete disregard to the dignity of the Court, despite the fact that the counsels representing respective parties were present and had agreed to the date given i.e., 16.04.2024 for final arguments,” the court said.

It added: “Keeping in view such derogatory remarks lowering the dignity of the Court, the Suo Moto Contempt is taken.”

Title: ANITA KUMARI GUPTA v. VED BHUSHAN & OTHERS

Click Here To Read Order