The Bombay High Court recently imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on a government employee for allegedly recording court proceedings without the necessary permissions. The incident took place during a hearing on Tuesday, when the bench noticed a person seated at the back of the courtroom with a mobile phone, its flash illuminated. Upon suspicion that he was capturing audio or video of the court proceedings, the court instructed that he be apprehended.

The individual was identified as Dilip Wagh, an employee from the Office of the Education Inspector. It was noted that he had no case listed before the court on that day. Following his apprehension, Wagh attempted to delete the recorded footage, raising further concerns about his intentions and compliance with court protocols.

The court’s IT department managed to recover the deleted recording from Wagh’s device. The bench noted the importance of safeguarding court proceedings from potential manipulation, highlighting the risks associated with the distribution of unauthorised recordings on social media platforms.

Court’s Reaction and Wagh’s Apology

During the proceedings, Justices GS Kulkarni and Dr Neela Gokhale remarked on Wagh’s inappropriate behaviour, suggesting it demonstrated a lack of respect for the authority of the court. They described his actions as akin to being in a casual setting, indicating a disregard for the legal environment. The court considered Wagh’s conduct serious enough to warrant contempt proceedings yet accepted his apology under specific conditions.

The bench referenced the applicable Rules Governing Live-Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings, specifying that such recordings must not occur without written permission. The court further indicated that Wagh, as a government employee, bore a heightened responsibility to adhere to these rules. Concerns were raised by the judges regarding the increasing trend of unauthorized recordings being shared in a distorted manner across various social media channels.

In response to the violation, Wagh’s mobile phone was seized, and specific directives were given regarding the handling of his personal data. The Registrar (Judicial-I) in conjunction with the IT department will oversee the process of wiping Wagh’s data before the phone’s disposal to ensure all sensitive information is managed appropriately.

Consequences and Future Implications

The court mandated that Wagh deposit the penalty of Rs 10,000 with the Secretary of the High Court Legal Services Authority in Mumbai within a two-week timeframe. Failure to comply with this directive will result in the amount being deducted directly from his salary. The court clearly outlined that any repeat violations in the future may lead to formal contempt proceedings and potentially more severe legal implications.

This incident underscores the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of court proceedings while also serving as a warning against unauthorised recording practices. The court’s decisive action reflects a broader intention to deter similar violations among not only government employees but all individuals who interact with the legal system.

Wagh’s case serves as a pivotal reminder for all personnel within the legal environment regarding the importance of upholding proper conduct in court. The judiciary will continue to monitor adherence to regulations surrounding recording and streaming, amid growing concerns over the manipulation of judicial proceedings in the digital age.

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