Lawyer Found Guilty Of Criminal Contempt- Calls Guwahati High Court Judge Bhasmasur

A lawyer was found guilty of criminal contempt by the Guwahati High Court on March 9 after making disparaging statements about an Additional District Judge, including comments about her dress and a comparison to a legendary demon.

Prior to the March 20 hearing date for the sentence, a bench of Justices Kalyan Rai Surana and Devashis Baruah ordered attorney Utpal Goswami to post a bond of 10,000 for his release on bail. Prior to the March 20 hearing date for the sentence, a bench of Justices Kalyan Rai Surana and Devashis Baruah ordered attorney Utpal Goswami to post a bond of 10,000 for his release on bail.

Guwahati Lawyer Makes Sexist Remark

According to the plea of guilty entered by the respondent or contemnor and in accordance with the provisions of Section 14 of the Courts Act, 1971, the court hereby finds the respondent or contemnor guilty.

Goswami had acknowledged asserting that a second district judge in Jorhat had been presiding over court hearings while decked out in bling like a runway model.

He had claimed that the court regularly intimidated witnesses by bringing up pointless precedents and legal clauses. The attorney went on to say that the issue judicial officer extended preferential treatment to her typist, utilised her office helper to collect food from the Majuli district, and used her official chauffeur and car for personal tasks.

Relevantly, he had linked her actions to those of 'bhasmasur', a demonic figure from mythology who appears in the Puranas and the Mahabharata.

Goswami has admitted guilt to the alleged offences before the High Court.

He continued by saying that he had realised that the peace, order, harmony, and calm of human society should be used to preserve and defend respect for judges and magistrates of all courts.

He acknowledged making the comments owing to a lack of understanding of the law and how it is applied, and he offered an unreserved apology, promising that the offense would not be repeated.

Goswami and Attorney P. Sarma both showed up in person. The Amicus Curiae was Senior Advocate Ziaul Kamar, who was supported by Advocate RKD Choudhury. The High court Court's standing counsel, TJ Mahanta, also made an appearance at the High Court.

Suggested reading: SC Stays Meghalaya HC’s Contempt of Court Order On Patricia Mukhim