Gujarat High Court Imposes ₹50,000 Fine on a Litigant for Smoking During Virtual Hearing

The Gujarat High Court imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on a litigant for contempt of court after he was found smoking during a virtual hearing.

The Court held that his act was intentional and disrespectful towards the dignity of the judiciary and in violation of the Gujarat HC Live Streaming Rules. 

The litigant admitted his mistake and submitted that he was suffering from a personality disorder and was unaware of being visible during the hearing.

Considering his admission, the Court directed him to deposit the fine with the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority within two weeks. The Court also noted past instances of similar misconduct during virtual hearings.