
A video purportedly showing a lawyer engaging in non-professional conduct with a woman just moments before a virtual hearing of the Delhi High Court has sparked significant outrage and gone massively viral across social media platforms. The incident, which allegedly occurred while participants were waiting for the court session to begin, has ignited a fresh debate regarding professional decorum and accountability during online judicial proceedings.
The footage, widely circulated, shows a man dressed in the traditional attire of a lawyer, seated in what appears to be his office or room. His camera is on, and he is positioned slightly away, with only a part of his face visible to the camera. A woman, seemingly in a saree, is seen standing in front of him. According to reports accompanying the video, the lawyer appears to pull the woman’s hand, bringing her closer, and then quickly delivers a peck on her. The woman seems momentarily hesitant or uncomfortable before stepping back.
The timing of the action—before a formal court proceeding—and the fact that the virtual camera was live, capturing the moment for anyone logged into the hearing, has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts and the public alike. Social media users have reacted strongly, questioning the ethics and professionalism of the individual involved. Many comments online demanded swift action against the lawyer for the perceived misconduct and for undermining the seriousness of the judicial process.
The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining the high standards of a courtroom environment in a remote, virtual setting. While virtual hearings were adopted to ensure continuity of justice, especially post-pandemic, such episodes highlight the need for greater awareness among legal professionals about conduct and the importance of using the “camera off” function when attending to non-judicial matters.
As of the latest reports, the identities of the lawyer and the woman remain unconfirmed. Furthermore, the Delhi High Court has not yet released an official statement addressing the matter or confirming whether any internal inquiry has been initiated. Nevertheless, the video has served as a potent reminder of the public scrutiny faced by the legal fraternity and the importance of impeccable professional conduct, whether in a physical courtroom or a virtual one. The call for stricter monitoring and clearer guidelines for online court attendance is expected to gain momentum following this widely reported lapse of professional behavior.