Lawyer asked to provide pro bono services for misbehaviour in court

The Delhi High Court directed a lawyer, who misbehaved before a trial court, to provide pro bono legal services in at least two Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases, stating that “unnecessary aggression and raising of voice in court” cannot be tolerated.

A Bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Rajneesh Kumar Gupta passed the order while hearing contempt proceedings against the lawyer, who later tendered an unconditional apology. The court accepted the apology but imposed a condition that he must offer free legal assistance to accused persons or victims in POCSO cases before the special court at Saket.

“The respondent shall, however, render pro bono services to at least two accused/victims in the Court of Ld ASJ (special court for POCSO) South East District, Saket Courts, New Delhi,” the Bench ordered. The trial judge has been directed to appoint the lawyer in two such matters.

The court made it clear that disrespectful conduct in courtrooms would not be tolerated. “Unnecessary aggression and raising of voice in court, which demonstrates disrespect, cannot be tolerated. Lawyers ought to maintain decorum in the courtroom,” it stated in its order dated March 12.

According to the trial court, the lawyer behaved in a “most rash and condescending manner” during proceedings.

Even after withdrawing his vakalatnama (a document submitted to the court to represent a client), he continued sitting inside the courtroom with his two-three other associates to create an intimidating atmosphere.

In his defense, the lawyer tendered an unconditional apology, adding that there had been no other untoward incidents during his 20 years of legal practice.