Latest news with #BhaskarTanna
NDTV
05-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
No 'Cheers' In Gujarat High Court
The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday (July 1) initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against senior advocate Bhaskar Tanna for allegedly consuming beer during a virtual hearing. The incident occurred before Justice Sandeep Bhatt on June 26, when Tanna was seen drinking from what appeared to be a beer mug while on a phone call. A video clip of the incident is now circulating widely on social media. Just a week earlier, another video went viral showing a man attending a High Court hearing virtually-while sitting on a toilet. These recurring instances raise uncomfortable questions: In an era when virtual courts are meant to facilitate speedier justice, do such incidents trivialise the institution and erode the decorum it demands? The Virtual Reality A division bench of Justices A.S. Supehia and R.T. Vachhani has questioned whether Tanna should retain his senior counsel status, given his "outrageous and glaring" conduct. The court will take further action after a hearing in two weeks. The bench rightly noted that such behaviour has "wide and serious ramifications" for the judicial system and the rule of law. Virtual hearings, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, have brought with them their own set of challenges-and embarrassments. Like physical courtrooms, virtual sessions require all participants to maintain dignity. Any lapse undermines the decorum courts stand for. The image of a man relieving himself with the camera on, even if inadvertently, is deeply disturbing. Courts were quick to adapt during the pandemic, but virtual hearings soon revealed lapses-from informality in dress to shocking behaviour. These episodes prompted the higher judiciary to stress that minimum courtroom etiquette must be observed-even online. Lawyers, in particular, are expected to appear presentable and ensure their surroundings are appropriate for court proceedings. The Larger Issue The 'beer incident' has sparked debate in legal circles about professionalism in the digital age. While sipping water during arguments is common, drinking beer during a live hearing-especially in a dry state like Gujarat-crosses a line. It reflects a troubling casualness toward judicial institutions. "A person behaving inappropriately during a virtual hearing lowers the dignity of the court," said Gujarat High Court advocate Vijay Patel. "And when a senior advocate behaves this way, it sends an even worse message." Court proceedings are streamed live, and recordings are accessible to students, junior lawyers, and the general public. Senior advocates serve as role models, and their conduct sets the tone for future generations. "Seniors are examples for juniors-this sets a bad precedent," Patel added. "This incident not only invites contempt charges but also merits disciplinary action." Courts have laid down rules for decorum in virtual proceedings-including attire and behaviour. Gujarat's own High Court (Live Streaming of Court Proceedings) Rules, 2021, were cited in this case. Also relevant is Gujarat's prohibition on alcohol. Residents can procure liquor only with health permits. While Tanna may have obtained beer legally, consuming it during a court session-even virtually-may invite strict judicial scrutiny. Time for a Framework With virtual hearings here to stay, the judiciary needs a clear, comprehensive legal framework to govern online proceedings. Judicial norms must be preserved not only in physical courtrooms but in every space where justice is delivered-even when no one appears to be watching. The legal profession carries a legacy built on discipline, propriety, and public trust. It falls on all stakeholders-judges, lawyers, and litigants-to honour that legacy, online and offline.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Shocking video shows Gujarat lawyer casually sipping on beer during court hearing
In a shocking video, a senior Indian lawyer was seen sipping on a beer mug during his virtual appearance at court proceedings in Gujarat. A video showing senior counsel Bhaskar Tanna casually sipping on beer from a mug in front of Justice Sandeep Bhatt on June 25 has gone viral on social media. A video showing senior counsel Bhaskar Tanna casually sipping on beer from a mug has gone viral on social media.(X/RahulKajalRG) The Gujarat High Court was appalled by the incident and initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against the lawyer for the "outrageous and glaring" conduct. A division bench of Justice AS Supehia and Justice RT Vachhani said that Bhaskar Tanna's senior counsel title should be withdrawn due to his conduct. In the clip, showing court proceedings over a Zoom call, three windows are visible. One shows Justice Bhatt, while the other two show the lawyers in the case. Tanna, who was appearing virtually for the court proceedings, is seen standing in front of a background as lawyers argued the case. At one point, he grabs a beer mug and casually takes a sip before putting it aside. Take a look at the clip here: "A video clip of high court proceedings widely circulated in social media shows his contemptuous behaviour of talking on the phone and also having a drink in a beer mug while attending the hearing," Justice Supehia stated. The high court directed the registry to issue a notice to the lawyer and barred him from appearing virtually before the court. "The demeanour of Tanna defies the privilege of senior counsel conferred upon him by the court. As per our opinion his title should be withdrawn, however, that will be decided at a later stage," the bench said. This comes after another clip last week showed a man attending court proceedings while sitting on the toilet. The man, who had his camera on during the Gujarat High Court proceedings, was seen adjusting his phone as he sat inside a toilet at his home. (With PTI inputs)
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Gujarat High Court: Advocate attends hearing with beer mug, contempt action initiated
The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday began contempt proceedings against senior counsel Bhaskar Tanna after a video surfaced showing him attending a virtual hearing while drinking from a beer mug and speaking on the phone. The court described his actions as 'outrageous and glaring' and directed the registry to file a report for further proceedings, a PTI report stated. Bench calls conduct contemptuous, considers title withdrawal The division bench of Justice A.S. Supehia and Justice R.T. Vachhani observed that Tanna's behaviour could not be ignored and ordered that contempt of court proceedings be initiated on its own motion. 'We direct the registry to initiate suo motu contempt of court proceedings against senior counsel Bhaskar Tanna. The registry will submit a report before the next date of hearing,' the court stated. The incident reportedly took place before Justice Sandeep Bhatt's bench on June 25, and the video clip was later circulated widely on social media platforms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Court says conduct harms public trust in legal system Justice Supehia remarked, 'A video clip of high court proceedings widely circulated in social media shows his contemptuous behaviour of talking on the phone and also having a drink in a beer mug while attending the hearing.' The court noted that the actions had serious implications. 'This outrageous and glaring act of Tanna has very wide ramifications, and if ignored or disregarded, it will be destructive to the rule of law,' the bench said. Live Events Virtual appearance barred, contempt hearing in two weeks In its order, the court also barred Tanna from making virtual appearances during the ongoing matter. 'The demeanour of Tanna defies the privilege of senior counsel conferred upon him by the court. As per our opinion his title should be withdrawn, however, that will be decided at a later stage,' said Justice Supehia. The court has scheduled the contempt hearing after two weeks. Other virtual court incidents raise concerns This development follows another viral clip from last week that showed a person attending the Gujarat High Court hearing virtually while seated on a toilet. The court did not link that incident to Tuesday's order but both have raised concerns about decorum in virtual courtrooms. (Inputs from PTI)
