The Madhya Pradesh High Court, Jabalpur, recently imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on advocate Abhishek Oswal for appearing in a virtual court hearing while sitting inside a car. The court termed this act as a breach of decorum and a disregard for judicial dignity.
The Case Background
The incident occurred during the hearing of WP No. 5443 of 2015 (Amrit Hones Private Limited and Others vs. Income Tax Settlement Commission and Others). Advocate Abhishek Oswal, representing the petitioner, joined the proceedings via video conferencing from his car. The court noted that while virtual hearings are meant to assist lawyers who cannot attend physically, they are not an excuse to relax the standards of professionalism and respect.
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The bench comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Anuradha Shukla expressed strong disapproval of Oswal’s conduct. The court emphasized that virtual hearings are a privilege, not a right, and must not compromise the solemnity of judicial proceedings.
“The facility of arguments through Video Conferencing is given to facilitate the counsels who are unable to mark their presence before Court physically. However, it is not a facility to relax the formality of appearances or to compromise the dignity of the Court.”
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The court imposed a fine of ₹10,000, directing Oswal to deposit the amount into the account of the M.P. High Court Legal Services Committee, Jabalpur. The penalty is non-refundable, underscoring the seriousness of the matter.
The case has been listed for further hearing on 26th August 2025, at the top of the court’s priority list. Any interim relief granted earlier will remain in effect until the next date.
Case Title: Amrit Hones Private Limited and Others vs. Income Tax Settlement Commission and Others
Case No.: WP No. 5443 of 2015