the seated lawyer was caught kissing and fondling a woman
A lawyer at the Madras High Court has been suspended after he was caught getting intimate with a woman during a virtual hearing.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, court cases in India have largely taken place virtually.
However, it did not go well for one lawyer.
RD Santhana Krishnan, of Perambur, Chennai, had been watching the case but was waiting to be summoned by the judge. However, he left his webcam on.
He was seen getting intimate with a woman while on camera.
It is believed that the seated lawyer was caught kissing and fondling a woman while she stood next to him.
His behaviour was labelled “improper” and the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry suspended him from practising as an advocate.
In a statement, the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry said Santhana Krishnan was prevented from practising as an advocate in all courts, tribunals and other authorities in India either in his name or in any assumed name till the disposal of the disciplinary proceedings pending against him for his alleged indecent behaviour.
The court said it “cannot afford to be a mute spectator and turn a Nelson’s eye when such brazen vulgarity is publicly displayed amidst Court proceedings”.
Based on the video footage, the Madras High Court initiated contempt proceedings and ordered a probe by the Crime Branch.
A preliminary report was filed, naming the lawyer and the woman.
The Chennai City Police Commissioner was also ordered to take the necessary steps to have footage of the matter removed from the internet.
The court went on to say that it would be revisiting the procedure of conducting court proceedings online.
The court elaborated: “In addition, we are of the considered view that it is high time that we revisit the procedure of conducting court proceedings in hybrid mode, especially in the light of the fact that advocates, in large numbers, have started appearing in-person in our High Court as well in the district Courts.
“However, a decision in this regard has to be taken by the Hon’ble Acting Chief Justice before whom this matter may be placed.”
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