New Delhi: A Delhi courtroom turned hostile earlier this month when a man convicted in a cheque bounce case, along with his lawyer, allegedly hurled abuses and threats at a woman judge after she ruled against him. Following the conviction, the judge directed the accused to furnish bail bonds under Section 437A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
However, the situation escalated dramatically when the convict, enraged by the verdict, allegedly attempted to throw an object at the judge. He then instructed his lawyer to “do whatever it takes” to reverse the ruling in his favour. Justice Mangla recorded in her order that the accused and his counsel, advocate Atul Kumar, not only threatened her but also subjected her to both mental and physical harassment in an attempt to pressure her into resigning from her post.
Despite repeated intimidation, she stood firm, stating in her order that appropriate legal steps would be taken to ensure justice. “The undersigned shall be taking appropriate measures against the accused before the National Commission for Women, Delhi for such threatening and harassment,” the court order read.
Further, the judge issued a show-cause notice to the convict’s lawyer, asking him to explain in writing why he should not be referred to the Delhi High Court for criminal contempt proceedings over his conduct. Court notice be issued to counsel for accused Atul Kumar to show cause in writing providing relevant explanation for the conduct shown by him today,” the order said.
