The Delhi High Court has found a lawyer guilty of criminal contempt for appearing before a magisterial court under the influence of alcohol and using "foul and abusive" language.

A bench led by Justice Prathiba M Singh stated that the judicial officer presiding over the magisterial court was a woman, and the manner in which the contemnor addressed her was deemed “completely unacceptable.” The court emphasized that appearing before a court in a drunken state was “unpardonable.”

“A perusal of the language used by the respondent-contemnor qua the judicial officer would leave no iota of doubt that it would fall in the definition of criminal contempt as defined under the Contempt of Courts Act.

The language used by the contemnor in fact has scandalised the court and such conduct also leads to interference in the administration of justice. The words spoken are foul and abusive,” the bench, also comprising Justice Amit Sharma, said in a recent order.

“Appearing before a court in a drunken state is also unpardonable. The same is contempt on the face of the court. Thus, this court has no doubt in holding that the respondent is guilty of criminal contempt,” the court stated.