The controversy began when a video surfaced showing Senior Advocate Bhaskar Tanna sipping from a mug during a virtual court hearing before Justice Sandeep Bhatt on June 26. What might have otherwise gone unnoticed quickly spiraled into a disciplinary matter when it was alleged that the mug contained beer.
Taking suo motu cognizance, a division bench comprising Justices AS Supehia and RT Vachhani labeled Tanna’s conduct as “outrageous” and issued an interim order barring him from appearing before their bench via virtual mode. The Court emphasized that such behavior undermines the dignity of the institution and sets a poor precedent for young members of the Bar.
Court Orders Registry Action and Reconsiders Senior Designation
The High Court ordered the court’s Registry to issue a notice to Tanna, preserve the video evidence, and register a contempt case. The court further directed the Registry to place a detailed report before the Chief Justice and proposed that the order be shared with other benches for broader enforcement.
What makes the matter more serious is the Court’s stance on Tanna’s designation as a Senior Advocate. The bench noted that the privilege granted by the court should come with a high standard of conduct. Given the incident, the judges stated that the senior counsel title “requires reconsideration.”
Strong Words from the Bench
In its observations, the court noted that Tanna’s conduct “travels beyond the precincts of this prestigious institution.” The order stated that if such acts continue unchecked, they could “dent the glory and dignity of the institution” and prove “destructive to the rule of law.”
The bench also expressed concern over the impact of such behavior on the legal fraternity, especially younger lawyers who look to senior advocates as role models.
“Such an act indubitably affects the young lawyer as the Bar takes the senior counsel as the role model and mentors,” the court said.
What Happens Next?
The matter will be taken up again in two weeks. Until then, Bhaskar Tanna remains barred from virtual appearances before the concerned bench. Depending on the Chief Justice’s direction, this restriction may extend to all benches of the Gujarat High Court.
As the legal community watches closely, this incident is likely to fuel a wider conversation about courtroom decorum in the age of virtual hearings. The judiciary has made it clear: digital convenience is no excuse for diminished discipline.