The Delhi High Court has initiated suo motu criminal contempt of court case against an Indian woman living in Australia for using derogatory language against a judge and the Court while being logged in through virtual conferencing (VC).

On January 10, one Anita Kumari Gupta was logged into the Court through VC. After a date was given in her matter and the next case was taken up, she used profane language against the Court and the judge, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna.

“How Could Item No 11 Be Taken Before Item No. 10… Ye saali kya kar rahi hai? (What is she doing?) What the f*** is going on in this court,” the woman said as per the Court’s order.

Justice Krishna issued show cause notice to Gupta and ordered her to remain present in person before the Court on April 16.

The Court also ordered the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to impound the passport/visa on arrival of Gupta in case, she comes to India before the date fixed for hearing.

The Court further said that Gupta should not be permitted to leave the country without the direction of this Court.

“The High Commission of India at Canberra, Australia is also directed to communicate this Order to the plaintiff/Anita Kumari Gupta, who is stated to be living at present in Sydney, Australia, through Consulate General of India, Sydney, Australia,” the Court ordered.

The Court passed the order noting that Gupta’s remarks were made even though the counsel representing the parties had agreed to the date given for final arguments.

“Keeping in view such derogatory remarks lowering the dignity of the Court, the suo moto contempt is taken. Accordingly, the show cause notice is issued to the plaintiff/Anita Kumari Gupta, who is stated to be, at present, living in Sydney, Australia, as to why she be not punished under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971,” the Court ordered.