Karnataka High Court convicts advocate for misbehaviour inside courtroom in drunken state

The High Court of Karnataka has convicted 55-year-old advocate Pankaj Kaushik for criminal contempt. Kaushik repeatedly disrupted court proceedings in Karwar, shouting at a civil judge while appearing in court inebriated. The court sentenced him to one day in simple imprisonment and a fine of ₹2,000. Kaushik was found guilty under Section 12(1) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

The court initiated the contempt proceedings in 2022 based on letters from the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Karwar, and communications from other judges. The incidents occurred in April 2022 when Kaushik appeared before a civil court despite his case not being listed for hearing, and made defamatory statements against judges.

Despite warnings and apologies, he misbehaved again on April 20, 2022, smelling of alcohol and unsteady. The court noted that Kaushik showed no remorse and attempted to justify his actions, stating that his conduct was deliberate and apathetic towards judicial codes.