Read Time: 03 minutes

While lamenting the development, Court said that there is a need to revisit conduct during court proceedings in light of the shift to online spaces for hearings.
 

The Madras High Court on Tuesday has taken suo motu criminal contempt cognizance over viral social media media in which a man is engaged in eroticism with a lady during online court proceedings.

Justice PN Prakash and Justice R Hemalatha has directed the CID to file an FIR under Information Technology Act and other penal laws in the matter against the concerned persons.

The bench noted that, “This Court cannot afford to be a mute spectator and turn a Nelson's eye when such brazen vulgarity is publicly displayed amidst Court proceedings.”

The Court has further directed the Registry to preserve the video recordings of the court proceedings in relation to the matter.

In addition to this the Court has also directed the Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai, to take steps to block the circulation of the impugned video clipping in the social media.

The bench further observed that, "it is high time that we revisit the procedure of conducting Court proceedings in hybrid mode, especially in the light of the fact that Advocates, in large numbers, have started appearing in person in our High Court as well in the District Courts. However, a decision in this regard has to be taken by the Hon'ble Acting Chief Justice before whom this matter may be placed."

Case Title: Suo Motu Criminal Contempt Petition No.1699 of 2021