Man goes viral for attending virtual proceedings from toilet; Gujarat HC orders him to deposit Rs 1 lakh as apology
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The Gujarat High Court on Monday directed a man to deposit ₹1 lakh with the court registry after he attended a virtual hearing while sitting on a toilet seat, an act that led to contempt proceedings. The court noted that the man was willing to offer an unconditional apology.The incident took place on June 20 during a hearing before Justice Nirzar S Desai. A video of the episode quickly went viral, prompting the court to initiate suo motu contempt action.On Monday, a division bench comprising Justices AS Supehia and RT Vachhani instructed the man, identified as Samad Abdul Rehman Shah , to deposit the amount by July 22, the next scheduled hearing date."The contemnor has admitted to his conduct during the live-streaming proceedings and submitted that he was ready to tender an unconditional apology. Thus, at this stage, we direct the contemnor to deposit the amount of Rs 1 lakh before the registry of this court by the next date of hearing," the court ordered.According to a report submitted to the Gujarat High Court, Samad Abdul Rehman Shah attended a virtual hearing on June 20 for 74 minutes, during which he was seen sitting on a toilet and relieving himself.Shah's lawyer informed the court that his client was prepared to offer an unconditional apology for his conduct. When questioned, the lawyer confirmed that he had advised Shah to appear appropriately for the hearing.The widely circulated video of the incident, showing Shah using the toilet during the proceedings, sparked public outrage and prompted the court to order its immediate removal and ban, citing serious damage to the judiciary's image.Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gujarat High Court has allowed lawyers and litigants to participate in hearings virtually. These proceedings are also live-streamed on the court's official YouTube channel.After finishing his business, Shah was seen picking up his phone and leaving. Justice Desai appeared unaware of his surroundings at the time.Wearing wireless earphones, he can be seen logging in again later in the livestream, sitting in a room and waiting for his turn.After nearly 10 minutes, he identified himself as Abdul Samad Shah, a resident of Kim village in Surat and the complainant in an assault case.His lawyers told the court that Shah had lodged a complaint against two individuals but that a compromise had been reached between both parties.While hearing the petition filed by the accused seeking to quash the FIR, Justice Desai asked Shah if he consented to the plea. Upon hearing Shah's no-objection, the judge approved the petition.(with agency inputs)
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