A litigant learned the hard way that courtroom decorum doesn’t disappear just because you’re logging in from home. The Gujarat High Court recently slapped a ₹50,000 fine on Vishwabhai Jayantilalbhai Varsani after he appeared via video call and lit a cigarette mid-session—while the hearing was live.
The judges didn’t take the puff lightly. A Division Bench led by Justices AS Supehia and Nisha M Thakore called the act an insult to the dignity and majesty of the court. The bench wasted no time declaring it contempt, noting that Varsani had openly disrespected the institution during live proceedings.
Varsani, for his part, didn’t try to spin the situation. He admitted to his actions and issued an unconditional apology. His counsel added that he’s undergoing treatment for alcohol dependency and personality disorders—an explanation, but not an excuse. The court, however, acknowledged the admission and chose not to drag out the matter.
The saga began on March 11 when Varsani mistakenly joined the wrong hearing date via Zoom. But his repeated logins—five times under the alias “Vishwaraj Varsani”—drew attention. His gestures, postures, and the casual cigarette smoke drifting across the screen didn’t help.
Justice Hasmukh D Suthar, who first witnessed the behavior, didn’t mince words in his March 12 order. He remarked that Varsani’s actions “undermine the majesty and dignity of the institution” and were in violation of the Gujarat High Court’s Live Streaming Rules, particularly Rule 5(j), which clearly demands a baseline of respect in virtual courtrooms.
With the fine now imposed and the matter closed, Varsani has two weeks to settle the amount. And for anyone else tempted to treat Zoom court like a lazy Sunday livestream—consider this a cautionary tale.
