The Gujarat High Court has launched an inquiry after senior advocate Bhaskar Tanna was caught on video drinking beer during a virtual court hearing before Justice Sandeep Bhatt on June 26.
In response to the incident, Justice A.S. Supehia imposed an immediate ban on Tanna from participating in any online hearings. The court has recommended that this restriction be presented before the Chief Justice, and if approved, it could be extended to all benches of the High Court.
The court noted that such conduct by a senior advocate sets a poor precedent for junior lawyers and is unacceptable in a professional setting.
Until the Chief Justice gives a ruling on the matter, Tanna will remain barred from all virtual court appearances.
The High Court has also ordered the preservation of the video clip and directed that a detailed report be prepared. A formal notice has been issued to advocate Tanna, with the next hearing in the matter scheduled for two weeks later.