In a strong affirmation of judicial integrity and gender dignity, the Delhi High Court has upheld the conviction of lawyer Sanjay Rathore, who had threatened and hurled obscene abuse at a woman judge during court proceedings. The Court held that such conduct is not just a personal affront but a direct attack on the justice system itself.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who authored the judgment, condemned the act in unequivocal terms, observing, “Outraging the modesty of a woman judicial officer while she is presiding over court proceedings attacks the foundation of judicial decorum and institutional integrity.”
The incident occurred on October 30, 2015, when Rathore, reportedly in an inebriated state, stormed into the Karkardooma Court after learning that his case had been adjourned in his absence. Angered, he threatened the presiding woman judge, banged on the courtroom table, and refused to leave despite repeated warnings. When court staff intervened to conduct a breath test, Rathore fled the courtroom while shouting vulgar and filthy remarks.
Justice Sharma stressed that the conduct was not merely misbehavior, but a violation of the sanctity of the court. “When one who sits on the chair of a judicial officer to deliver justice is wronged by use of filthy language, the law must speak louder – on her behalf, and on its own.”
The trial court had sentenced Rathore to two years of imprisonment under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code. While the High Court upheld the conviction, it modified the sentence to run concurrently rather than consecutively. Rathore has been directed to surrender within 15 days.
Importantly, the Court also noted the systemic vulnerability women in the judiciary face, especially when perpetrators include members of the legal fraternity themselves. “It is a matter of deep concern that, at times, even the seat of justice cannot guarantee immunity from gendered abuse,” Justice Sharma wrote.
She added, “They must never be left feeling helpless or as though they are to be treated at someone else’s pleasure.”
The case also saw disturbing attempts at informal settlement when members of the Karkardooma bar association approached the judge, urging her to “settle the matter” by citing brotherly concern. The judge, however, stood her ground and refused.
The High Court’s decision serves as a stern message: judicial officers—especially women—must be protected with institutional resolve when they are subjected to abuse while upholding the law.
Case: Sanjay Rathore vs State (Govt of NCT, Delhi) and Anr – Available on LAWFYI.IO
