“Appeared from Lavatory in Virtual Hearing, Act Shameful”: Gujarat HC Fines Man ₹2 Lakh, Orders Community Service for Disrespecting Court Dignity
Sanchayita Lahkar
The Gujarat High Court has directed the imposition of exemplary costs and community service upon an individual for committing an act described by the court as “shameful and is required to be strictly condemned” during virtual court proceedings. A Single Bench of Justice M.K. Thakker issued this directive, recording that such conduct could “result in lowering the dignity of the institution in the eyes of public.”
The court passed the order after Dhaval Kanubhai Patel, son of respondent No.2 in a pending matter, was found to have joined an online hearing and engaged in conduct described as indecent. The Bench imposed costs of ₹2,00,000 to be deposited within two weeks and directed that the funds be distributed between the Shishugruh Paldi, Ahmedabad, and the Gujarat High Court Legal Aid Services Authorities.
Additionally, Dhaval Patel has been ordered to perform community service at the High Court premises for a period of two weeks under the supervision of the Special Officer, Dedicated Cell.
The proceedings arose pursuant to the court’s earlier order dated 27.02.2025, requiring the appearance of respondent No.2 and his son, Dhavalbhai Kanubhai Ambalal Patel, aged 42 years. Both appeared before the court on the scheduled date. Mr. Amresh N. Patel, appearing on behalf of respondent No.2, submitted that on 17.02.2025, the matter concerning respondent No.2 was listed at serial number 112 on the High Court board. It was submitted that upon downloading the board and joining the hearing through the Zoom application, Dhaval Patel inadvertently accessed the proceedings.
The counsel submitted that “as it was the first time, he used the website of the High Court, such mistake was committed and therefore, he tendered his unconditional apology.”
According to the record, a report from Sola Police Station was called for following a viral video related to the incident. The report indicated that on 17.02.2025 at 12:20 hours, an individual joined the virtual link under the name “Kanubhai” and was present “in indecent manner, he was disconnected.” The person rejoined from what was identified as a lavatory and was again removed from the hearing. Subsequently, the individual re-entered using the matter reference “CRA 11948/2023.”
The judgment records that “the son of the respondent No.2 is present before the Court, namely, Dhavalbhai Kanubhai Patel is having the educational qualification of B.Sc. aged around 42 years and serving in the Reliance Group.” The Bench noted the explanation offered regarding unfamiliarity with virtual court proceedings but observed that “so it cannot be accepted from the person like a present, was not well-verse with the operation of the applications.”
The court further observed that “in such scenario, the indecent act is not only unacceptable but it is a shameful and is required to be strictly condemned.” It recorded that “if Courts do not deal with such a person with strong hands then, that may result lowering the dignity of the institution in the eyes of public.”
Taking this into account, the court imposed exemplary costs of ₹2,00,000 on Dhaval Kanubhai Patel. The judgment stated that “same shall be deposited with the Registry within a period of two weeks from today.” The Bench directed the Registry to “remit Rs.50,000/- in the account of the Shishugruh Paldi, Ahmedabad and remaining amount in the account of the Gujarat High Court Legal Aid Services Authorities.”
The Bench issued further directions that “Registry is direct to submit the report with regard to the deposition of the costs. If the report would suggest that the costs is not deposited then further actions will be taken.”
The court imposed an additional directive requiring community service. It recorded that “Dhaval Kanubhai Patel is directed to report to the Special Officer, Dedicated Cell at 10:00 a.m. and perform community service by cleaning the gardens of the High Court under the supervision of the Special Officer, Dedicated Cell, for a period of two weeks.”
The Special Officer, Dedicated Cell, has been directed to submit a report regarding the completion of the community service to the court.
The incident took place during virtual proceedings concerning Special Civil Application No.11948 of 2023, where Gujarat State Co-operative Marketing Federation Limited is the petitioner. The respondent No.2 is involved in the same matter, and the incident was linked to a scheduled hearing on 17.02.2025. The person involved, Dhaval Kanubhai Patel, is not a party to the case but is the son of respondent No.2.
The court made no observation on the substantive aspects of the civil application itself. The focus remained confined to the conduct of Dhaval Patel during the virtual hearing.
Justice M.K. Thakker proceeded to conclude the matter after directing compliance within the stipulated timeline, recording that necessary action would follow should the costs not be deposited as directed.
Advocates Representing the Parties
For the Petitioner: I.G. Joshi Advocate
For the Respondent: Amresh N. Patel
Case Title: Gujarat State Co-operative Marketing Federation Limited v. President Officer & Another
Case Number: R/Special Civil Application No. 11948 of 2023
Bench: Justice M.K. Thakker
[Read/Download order]
