Mumbai: Bombay High Court came down heavily on a govt employee who was apprehended recording the court’s proceedings.Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale on Monday, in suo motu proceedings, ordered Dilip Wagh’s mobile handset to be seized and confiscated after his personal data was removed and to be disposed of. They directed Wagh to deposit Rs 10,000 with HC Legal Services Authority.The judges noticed a person holding a mobile phone with its flash on. Wagh identified himself and said he works in the education inspector’s office. He had no case to attend but had come to meet the govt pleader in some other case.The judges said, “Unfortunately such cases are on the rise… These recordings are then manipulated in ways unimaginable and then distorted versions are posted on social media.”Except for written permission, there is an express bar to record proceedings under Live-Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings Rules.While there can be no objection to any member of the public witnessing open court proceedings, restrictions “need to be followed in letter and spirit.” They accepted Wagh’s apology subject to conditions. “Any recurrence of such conduct” by Wagh shall invite proceedings including for contempt of court.
