Gujarat HC Initiates Suo Motu Contempt Against Senior Advocate For VC Appearance With Beer Mug, To Reconsider Senior Status

The incident took place before a Bench of Justice Sandeep Bhatt, and a video clip of the same was widely circulated thereafter. Strongly condemning the act, a division bench of Justice AS Supehia and Justice RT Vachhani remarked that such behaviour has “wide and serious ramifications” for the judicial system and the rule of law.

It observed that if the conduct that "dents the glory and dignity of the institution" is permitted to pass unaddressed, it could lead to the collapse of institutional authority.

Highlighting the potential influence on younger members of the Bar as they see senior counsels as role models, the Bench stated that such 'contemptuous demeanour' of the Senior Advocate “unquestionably defies the privilege of Senior Counsel” conferred by the High Court.

Indicating that the advocate's designation as Senior Advocate may be reconsidered, the Court added that it would pass appropriate orders at the appropriate stage, if required, and till then, he has been restrained from appearing before the bench virtually.

The Court has directed the Registry to make a report and place the matter before the bench while also preserving the video. The Registry has also been directed to bring the order to the notice of the Chief Justice.