New Delhi, August 31, 2024, 11:00 AM IST In a landmark judgment, the Delhi High Court has held a lawyer guilty of criminal contempt for appearing in court under the influence of alcohol. The verdict, delivered on Friday, underscores the judiciary’s zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct in the courtroom.
The incident occurred earlier this year when the lawyer, whose name has not been disclosed, appeared before the bench visibly intoxicated. His erratic behavior, slurred speech, and inappropriate conduct during proceedings were noted by the presiding judge, who immediately adjourned the hearing and ordered an inquiry into the matter.
During the inquiry, it was revealed that the lawyer had indeed consumed a significant amount of alcohol before appearing in court. The inquiry committee, after reviewing evidence and witness testimonies, recommended strict action against the lawyer for his gross misconduct, which was deemed to have undermined the dignity of the court.
In its ruling, the Delhi High Court stated that the lawyer’s actions constituted a serious breach of professional ethics and amounted to criminal contempt of court. The court emphasized that legal professionals hold a unique responsibility to uphold the integrity of the judicial process, and any behavior that disrespects the court cannot be tolerated.
The court’s decision has been met with widespread approval from the legal community, which sees it as a necessary step to maintain the sanctity of the courtroom. However, some have called for more robust measures to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future, including mandatory checks on lawyers appearing in court and stricter penalties for those found guilty of misconduct.
The lawyer now faces severe repercussions, including possible disbarment and imprisonment, pending further hearings on the matter. The Delhi High Court has sent a strong message with this ruling, reinforcing that the standards of professional conduct must be upheld at all times, without exception.