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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of a criminal contempt of court case against one Anita Kumari Gupta, an Indian woman residing in Australia.

Gupta allegedly used derogatory language against the court and Justice Neena Bansal Krishna during a virtual hearing on January 10.

Following the issuance of a date in Gupta's case and the commencement of the next hearing, she used profane language towards the court and Justice Krishna. The court's order recorded her statements as, "How Could Item No. 11 Be Taken Before Item No. 10… Ye s.... kya kar rahi hai? (What is she doing?) What the f*** is going on in this court?"

Justice Krishna issued a show cause notice to Gupta, requiring her to appear in person before the court on April 16.

"Keeping in view such derogatory remarks lowering the dignity of the Court, the Suo Moto Contempt is taken. 6. Accordingly, the show-cause notice is issued to the plaintiff, Anita Kumari Gupta, who is stated to be, at present, living in Sydney, Australia, as to why she be not punished under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971," the court said. 

The court directed the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to impound Gupta's passport or visa upon her arrival in India before the scheduled hearing date. Additionally, Gupta has been prohibited from leaving the country without the court's direction.

"The High Commission of India at Canberra, Australia is also directed to communicate this Order to the plaintiff/Anita Kumari Gupta, who is stated to be living at present in Sydney, Australia, through Consulate General of India, Sydney, Australia. List for final arguments on 16.04.2024," the court ordered. 

Case Title: Anita Kumari Gupta v. Ved Bhushan & Others