The Delhi High Court recently issued bailable warrants against a litigant, alleged to have made scandalous and derogatory remarks against a district judge, after he failed to physically appear before it and said that he would not be facing these "stupid proceedings" against him [Court on its Own Motion v Adeeshwar Singhal].

On a reference from the district judge, the High Court in May had registered a suo motu contempt of court case against one Adeeshwar Singhal, who had allegedly engaged in a disruptive and disrespectful behaviour on April 9 before a district judge in Shahdara court.

On May 23, the High Court asked Singhal to show-cause why contempt proceedings be not initiated against him. He was later provided a Legal Aid Advocate to defend himself but the counsel on October 9 sought discharge from the case alleging non-cooperation by Singhal. The Court had then asked Singhal to appear before it in person.

However, on November 6, Singhal appeared virtually before the Court.

The Division Bench of Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice Manoj Jain questioned him for not appearing physically as directed in the earlier order. Singhal, however, gave "vague and evasive answers" and even failed to disclose the location from where was addressing the Court. He even termed the court proceedings "stupid".

The Court recored the same in its order of November 6.

"So much so, he also uttered that he would not be facing these ‘stupid proceedings'," the order said.

Considering Singhal's behaviour, the Court said that it was left with no other option but to issue coercive process to ensure his presence in the courtroom.

"Let Bailable Warrants in a sum of ₹10,000 be issued against the respondent/ contemnor through the concerned SHO, returnable on the next date of hearing," the Court ordered.

The matter will be heard next on December 2.

[Read Order]