Ahmedabad, July 16, 2025 – In a shocking incident that sparked widespread outrage, the Gujarat High Court has imposed a ₹1 lakh fine on Abdul Samad, a resident of Kim village in Surat, for attending a virtual court hearing from a toilet. The court deemed his conduct “contumacious” and damaging to its dignity, prompting suo motu contempt proceedings.

The incident occurred on June 20, 2025, during a virtual hearing before Justice Nirzar S. Desai. A viral video showed Samad, identified onscreen as ‘Samad Battery,’ joining the live-streamed proceedings via his mobile phone while seated on a toilet. The court, taking serious note of the breach of decorum, ordered him to deposit ₹1 lakh by July 22, 2025, and warned of potential jail time if such behavior persists.

The Gujarat High Court, which has allowed virtual hearings since the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline during live-streamed proceedings. The bench, comprising Justices A.S. Supehia and R.T. Vachhani, directed the High Court Registry to issue a notice to Samad and instructed the Registrar of Information Technology to propose measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This case has reignited discussions about professionalism in virtual courtrooms, especially in light of another recent incident involving a senior advocate allegedly consuming beer during a hearing. Legal experts stress the need for a clear framework to govern online proceedings to uphold the judiciary’s dignity.

Key Takeaways:

• Incident Date: June 20, 2025
• Fine Imposed: ₹1 lakh, to be deposited by July 22, 2025
• Court’s Stance: Such behavior undermines courtroom decorum
• Next Steps: Court seeks mechanisms to prevent disruptive conduct in virtual hearings

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