A woman judge in Delhi has issued a showcause notice to a lawyer, seeking explanation on why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for misbehaving with her during an open court hearing.
Judicial Magistrate (NI Act) Shivangi Mangla issued notice to Advocate Atul Kumar, directing him to furnish reply on the next date of hearing, explaining as to why he shall not be referred to the Delhi High Court for initiation of criminal contempt proceedings over such misbehaviour.
The incident took place on April 2, after the woman judge convicted an accused for offence punishable under Section 138 (dishonor of cheque) of the Negotiable Instruments Act and directed him to furnish bail bonds under Section 437A CrPC on the next date of hearing.
Following the order, both the convict and his lawyer threatened and hurled abuses at the woman judge.
The convict even attempted to hurl an object at the judge for not delivering an order in his favour. He reportedly instructed his lawyer to do whatever it took to secure a favourable verdict.
The court recorded in its order on April 2 that the accused told the woman judge, “Tu hai kya cheez ………….tu bahar mil dekhte hai kaise zinda ghar jaati hai……..(Who are you… just meet me outside and let me see how you go back home alive)”.
The woman judge further recorded in her order that the convict and his counsel harassed her both mentally and physically, pressuring her to resign from her post.
She was subjected to harassment, and asked to acquit the accused. They further threatened to file a complaint against her and forcibly secure her resignation.
The judge said that despite threats and pressure, the undersigned would stand against all the odds and always do the needful in favour of justice.
She said appropriate measures should be taken against the accused before the National Commission for Women, Delhi, for such threatening and harassment.
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