Delhi High Court Initiates Contempt Proceedings Against Lawyer for Scandalous Allegations
Respondent's Reckless Claims of Judicial Corruption Lead to Criminal Contempt Charges
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has initiated contempt proceedings against a respondent, Vedant, for making scandalous and reckless allegations against the judiciary, which the court deemed as lowering the authority of the court and interfering with the administration of justice. The case, Gunjan Kumar v. Vedant, was heard by Justice Amit Sharma, who underscored the importance of maintaining the dignity and authority of the judiciary.
The petitioner, Gunjan Kumar, was represented by a team of advocates including Ms. Sumitra Choudhary, while the respondent, Vedant, appeared in person. The court noted that the respondent had made baseless allegations of corruption against judicial officers in various proceedings, including a contempt petition filed by him in a trial court. Despite an unconditional apology tendered by Vedant during earlier proceedings, his subsequent actions and communications were found to be contumacious.
Justice Amit Sharma highlighted the seriousness of the allegations made by Vedant in multiple emails and legal filings. The respondent's communications included claims of bribery involving judges and unfounded accusations of judicial bias and corruption. The court took a stern view of these assertions, which were described as scandalous and aimed at undermining the judiciary's credibility.
The court's order emphasized that such actions fall under "criminal contempt" as defined in Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. This provision covers conduct that scandalizes or lowers the authority of the court or obstructs the administration of justice. The court observed that the respondent's actions met these criteria and thus warranted contempt proceedings.
Justice Sharma has directed that the matter be listed before a Division/Roster Bench for further proceedings, scheduled for November 19, 2025. The respondent, Vedant, has been instructed to appear in person on the next date of hearing. Additionally, the court has involved the Delhi High Court Bar Association to assist in the matter, given the gravity of the allegations and the fact that the respondent is a lawyer.
This case underscores the judiciary's commitment to preserving its dignity and authority against unwarranted attacks and emphasizes the legal community's responsibility to uphold the integrity of the judicial process.
Bottom Line:
Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 - Allegations of corruption against judiciary - Reckless and scandalous allegations made by the respondent in contempt proceedings - Held, such allegations tantamount to scandalising and lowering the authority of the court, interfering with judicial proceedings, and obstructing the administration of justice.
Statutory provision(s): Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 Section 2(c), Articles 215/226 of the Constitution of India
Gunjan Kumar v. Vedant, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2785627
