Delhi HC imposes ₹1 lakh cost on lawyer for joining virtual hearing from moving car

The Delhi High Court has imposed a cost of ₹1 lakh on a lawyer for appearing in a virtual hearing from a moving car, holding that the convenience offered by online proceedings cannot come at the expense of courtroom decorum or disrupt judicial proceedings.

Justice Om Prakash Shukla was hearing execution proceedings initiated by South Indian Bank Ltd and Union Bank of India Ltd, through South Indian Bank as lenders’ representative, against the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The court noted that the lawyer appearing for the decree holder had joined the proceedings while travelling in a moving vehicle. It said the practice was contrary to the Delhi High Court’s Electronic Evidence and Video Conferencing Rules, 2025.

Court stresses need for a suitable environment

The High Court observed that virtual hearings have made it easier for lawyers to participate in proceedings remotely, but said this flexibility carries an obligation to ensure that the proceedings are conducted in an environment appropriate for a court hearing.

The court noted that it has to deal with more than 70 matters on some days and that background noise and movement can interfere with the smooth conduct of proceedings.

“While this Court appreciates the convenience offered by virtual hearings, such convenience cannot come at the cost of the decorum of the Court or cause disturbance in the conduct of judicial proceedings,” the court said.

The bench further observed that the requirement for lawyers to avoid joining hearings from vehicles was not merely procedural. It was intended to ensure that counsel appearing virtually did so from surroundings conducive to the proper functioning of the court.

Video-conferencing rules cited by Delhi HC

The court referred to the Electronic Evidence and Video Conferencing Rules, 2025, which state that advocates should endeavour not to join proceedings from vehicles except in exceptional circumstances and with the court’s permission.

Justice Shukla found that there were no exceptional circumstances in the matter that justified the lawyer’s appearance from a moving car. The court consequently held that the conduct was in violation of the applicable rules.

It directed the cost of ₹1 lakh to be paid to the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee within one week.

The proceedings relate to two petitions concerning enforcement of an arbitral award against NHAI. The case title is South Indian Bank Ltd and Union Bank of India Ltd through South Indian Bank Ltd, in its capacity as lenders’ representative v National Highways Authority of India.

Court also raises issue over stamp duty payment

The High Court also examined the payment of stamp duty on the arbitral award dated November 13, 2024, which was the subject of the enforcement proceedings.

The court recorded that the stamp duty had been paid on December 24, 2025, more than one month after the execution of the award. It observed that the payment was not in accordance with the Delhi High Court’s earlier judgment in M/s URC Construction (P) Ltd v Airports Authority of India.

Another counsel appearing for the decree holder told the court that the stamp duty, along with the applicable penalty, had already been deposited before the Collector. He undertook to place proof of the payment on record within one week.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 15.