Delhi HC finds lawyer guilty of contempt, bars from law practise for 2 years
Court also sentences Seema Sapra for a month's imprisonment and `2,000 fine
New Delhi: The Delhi high court on Thursday barred Seema Sapra from practising law for two years, after finding her guilty of contempt.
The court had taken cognisance of the lawyer’s actions of calling a judge of the high court, Vibhu Bakhru, corrupt, and alleging that he sat on a particular bench of the court out of turn.
A bench comprising justices Valmiki J. Mehta and P.S. Teji also sentenced the lawyer for a month’s imprisonment and ₹ 2,000 fine. The imprisonment will not take effect for three months, allowing the lawyer to appeal the case. Appeals from a two-judge bench of the high court go to the Supreme Court.
The court placed a higher responsibility of propriety on the lawyer since she was from within the system. “The responsibility of the noticee is much higher inasmuch as, the noticee is an advocate who is well versed with the legal procedures and the law. Advocates have higher duties than ordinary litigants with respect to court procedures and contemptuous statements."
The court said that the charge of corruption was serious and, if unsubstantiated, scandalised the judiciary and affected due course of justice.
The court noted that Sapra was not remorseful and had asked 28 judges of the high court to recuse themselves from hearing this contempt case.
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