Recently, the single-headed bench comprising Justice Neena Bansal Krishna of the Delhi High Court initiated a suo motu contempt case against a litigant for “abusing the court” by joining proceedings virtually and making derogatory remarks.

Describing it as blatantly disrespectful, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna has issued a show cause notice to Anita Kumari Gupta, currently residing in Sydney, Australia, as to why she should not be punished under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

Furthermore, the court has instructed the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to seize Anita Kumari Gupta's passport or visa upon her arrival in India, in the event that she comes before April 16, which is the scheduled date for the next hearing where she has been summoned to appear before the court.

Justice Krishna has additionally directed that Gupta should not be allowed to exit the country if she arrives in India without explicit permission from the 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 said.

In 2011, Gupta initiated a legal action against several individuals regarding the mutation of a property located on Pusa Road in the city. 

On January 10, the proceedings, which were at the stage of final arguments, were adjourned to January 16. This decision to adjourn was made through the mutual agreement of the involved parties.

After the date was given and another item was taken up, Gupta, who had joined the proceedings through video conferencing, “abused the Court” saying "What The F.... is Going On In This court?"

It added: “Keeping in view such derogatory remarks lowering the dignity of the Court, the Suo Moto Contempt is taken.”

Case Title: ANITA KUMARI GUPTA v. VED BHUSHAN & OTHERS