Delhi HC sentences lawyer to 4 months imprisonment for ‘derogatory’ remarks against judges

The Delhi High Court sentenced a lawyer to four months’ imprisonment after finding him guilty of criminal contempt for “defaming and insulting the dignity of the courts” by his statements against judges.

A bench comprising Justice Pratibha M. Singh and Justice Amit Sharma found advocate Mr. Sanjeev Kumar guilty of using “deplorable and derogatory language” that was “manifestly derogatory” towards judicial officers, high court judges and the court.

“The person who is condemning has no respect for the courts, nor does he have any respect for the entire judicial system… He has not made any apology and his entire behavior is nothing but an attempt to denigrate and denigrate the courts. “Such behavior cannot be left unpunished, especially on the part of a person who is qualified as a lawyer,” the court said in its decision dated November 6.

The court directed the police to detain Mr. Kumar from the court and send him to jail. The lawyer then requested that the sentence be suspended for a short period so that he could be allowed to appeal to the Supreme Court regarding the decision against him.

However, the court rejected the plea on the ground that “given the campaign of insults against the Courts in general and some judges in particular and the arrogant attitude towards the allegations even in this contempt petition, the Court does not intend to adjourn”. order.

The court noted that the lawyer expressed neither an apology nor any remorse for his behavior.

“Considering the above, the fact that 30 to 40 complaints were made by the judge against judicial officers, police officers and also judges of this court clearly shows that his intention is to scandalise the court, as well as diminish the dignity and authority of the court.” said the bench.

In May, a single judge had initiated a suo moto criminal defamation case against the lawyer after he made personal remarks to judges during virtual court proceedings and posted derogatory comments in the chat box.

The division bench stated that his comments on the chat box were aimed at settling scores with his family and indulging in frivolous lawsuits with them. For this reason, the lawyer was seen making scandalous claims about members of the judiciary, high court judges and police officers.