Rehan Khan
A Delhi court witnessed a display of unruly behavior and intimidation against a sitting judge after the conviction of an accused in a cheque dishonor case. The convict and his counsel allegedly hurled abuses, issued threats, and created a hostile environment inside the courtroom, prompting the judge to take serious note of the misconduct.
Judicial Magistrate (NI Act) Shivangi Mangla, while convicting the accused under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, faced verbal abuse and threats from both the accused and his advocate. As per the court order dated April 2, the accused made violent threats after the judgment did not go in his favor and attempted to hurl an object toward the bench.
The order records the accused telling the judge: “Tu hai kya cheez ………….ki tu bahar mil dekhte hai kaise zinda ghar jaati hai……..” (Translation: “Who even are you… just meet me outside and let’s see how you make it back home alive.”)
The accused, who was directed to furnish bail bonds under Section 437A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, allegedly instructed his advocate to do whatever was necessary to secure a favorable verdict. However, instead of pursuing lawful remedies, the advocate and accused reportedly resorted to harassment and intimidation.
In her order, Judge Mangla documented that the duo not only disrupted court decorum but also attempted to pressurize her into resigning. The order states they tried to “mentally and physically harass” her and “demanded acquittal” even after the judgment had been pronounced.
Taking note of the advocate’s conduct, the court also issued a show cause notice to the accused’s counsel, Advocate Atul Kumar. The notice calls for an explanation as to why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him.
The court directed: “Court notice be issued to counsel for accused Sh. Atul Kumar to show cause in writing providing relevant explanation for the conduct shown by him today and further to explain as to why he shall not be referred to the Hon’ble High Court for initiating criminal contempt proceedings against him for such misbehavior.”
The lawyer has been instructed to submit a written reply on the next date of hearing.
Click here to access the order.
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