NEWS: Gujarat HC Fined Advocate for Smoking in the car while attending a Video Conferencing Proceeding

LITT Law for lawyers and teams

Advocate JV Ajmera has been directed to deposite fine of ₹10,000 before registery of Gujarat High Court, after he was found smoking while sitting in car during court proceeding through video conferencing.

The Registrar Judicial has also been directed to initiate appropriate proceedings against Advocate Ajmera and submit a report within a period of ten days to the High Court.

The Bar Council and Bar Association have been asked to instruct advocates that proceedings conducted through video conferencing shall be attended either from residences or offices, or not from a vehicle or open ground. To which this was a clear violation on rule.

The Single Bench of Justice AS Supehia said:

“This Court seriously deprecates such conduct of the advocate Mr. J.V. Ajmera. It was not expected from an advocate to be smoking in the car during the Court proceedings. Such behavior of the advocate is required to be strictly condemned.” He also Added :

“The advocates appearing through video conference are required to maintain minimum dignified decorum so that the majesty and dignity of the proceedings as well as the Institution are maintained.”

The report so prepared by the Registrar Judicial is to be forwarded to the Bar Council of Gujarat as well.

The order reads,                    

“The Bar Council of Gujarat and the Bar Association of High Court shall inform the advocates to maintain a dignified decorum while conducting the matters through video conferencing.”

Copy of Order: