A courtroom in Delhi saw shocking behaviour earlier this month when a man, recently found guilty in a cheque bounce case, and his lawyer reportedly shouted at and threatened a woman judge after she gave the verdict.

The incident happened in front of Judicial Magistrate Shivangi Mangla, who on April 2 had convicted the man under the law that deals with bounced cheques (Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act). After declaring him guilty, the judge asked him to submit bail papers as per legal procedure (Section 437A of the CrPC).

However, things quickly got out of hand after the verdict. Upset with the judge’s decision, the convicted man allegedly tried to throw something at her. He then told his lawyer to “do whatever it takes” to change the ruling in his favour.

What shocked everyone even more was the threat he made. The man reportedly told the judge, “Tu hai kya cheez? Tu bahar mil, dekhte hain kaise zinda ghar jaati hai!”- basically threatening her life and saying he’d deal with her outside the courtroom.

In her order, Judge Shivangi Mangla mentioned that the accused and his lawyer, Atul Kumar, tried to scare her by threatening and harassing her both mentally and physically. They aimed to force her to step down from her position. However, the judge remained strong and made it clear that strict legal action would be taken to ensure justice was done.

The judge said she would take the matter to the National Commission for Women in Delhi because of the threats and harassment she faced.

She also sent a notice to the convict’s lawyer, Atul Kumar, asking him to explain his behaviour in writing. The court wants to know why he shouldn't be reported to the Delhi High Court for criminal contempt (serious disrespect of the court). The lawyer has been asked to give his reply on the next hearing date.

 

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