Delhi High Court Emphasizes Virtual Courtroom Decorum

The Delhi High Court scolded a lawyer for attending a virtual hearing from a park, stressing that decorum must be upheld in hybrid court appearances. Justice Girish Kathpalia noted the importance of maintaining courtroom standards, despite connectivity issues, and urged bar associations to educate members about virtual proceedings.

The Delhi High Court has expressed strong disapproval towards a lawyer who participated in a virtual court session from a park, stating that decorum must be maintained in hybrid court environments. Justice Girish Kathpalia criticized the lawyer for not adhering to expected courtroom standards, including switching off his video during order dictation.

The court highlighted the benefits of video-conferencing for lawyers handling cases across multiple court complexes. However, it emphasized the necessity for vigilantly preserving court decorum, regardless of connectivity challenges or video issues, underlining that hybrid courts demand the same respect as traditional ones.

The decision includes directives for the Delhi High Court Bar Association to train members on proper virtual hearing conduct. Despite the lawyer's breach, the court chose not to penalize the litigant, underscoring the ultimate goal of ensuring justice unaffected by procedural errors.