Court Imposes Fine on Doctor for Scattering Rice in Courtroom, Lawyers Allege Use of Dark Magic

On August 11, 2023, in a trial court in Tis Hazari, Delhi, an unexpected incident occurred. Dr. Chander Vibhas, a surgeon standing accused in a 2011 murder case, disrupted court proceedings by throwing rice on the courtroom floor[1][2][3][4][5].

The act caused a 15-15 minute disruption in the trial, leading to suspicion among lawyers that it was an attempt at black magic[1][2][3][4][5]. Judge Shefali Barnala Tandon, presiding over the case, treated this behavior as a serious disruption of judicial proceedings and charged Dr. Vibhas under Section 267 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023[1][4][5].

Dr. Vibhas claimed that some rice in his hands had simply fallen down, but he could not explain why he was carrying the rice in his hands when he entered court and while attending court proceedings[1][2][4][5]. Despite his apology and expression of remorse, he was sentenced to imprisonment until the rising of the court (i.e., the end of the day's session) and fined ₹2,000, which was to be deposited with the state[1][4][5].

The court order highlighted that such conduct undermines the dignity of the judiciary and threatens the rule of law by disrupting the administration of justice[5]. The judge emphasized the importance of maintaining the dignity of the courtroom for the rule of law, expressing concern that disrespect towards the court or disruption of judicial proceedings sends a damaging public message and threatens the foundation of the legal system[1][5].

The rice thrown on the floor was not the first time the courtroom had rice on it. It had rice on it on August 2 as well[1][5]. The court directed the doctor to collect the rice and instructed staff to summon a sweeper to help in cleaning it up[1][5]. Court proceedings were halted until the sweeper arrived ten minutes later to clean the floor[1][5].

The act violated Section 267 of the BNS, 2023, which penalizes intentional insult or interruption to a public servant during judicial proceedings[5]. The judge's remarks stated that the act of the accused, if left unchecked, would erode the court's ability to function[1][5].

Dr. Vibhas's lawyer stated that the doctor was misguided by someone else into the act and urged the court to show mercy[1][5]. However, the court's ruling underscores the importance of maintaining court decorum and respect for judicial proceedings, as acts perceived as superstitious interference can have serious legal consequences in Indian courts[1][2][3][4][5].

[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/delhi-doctor-fined-for-disrupting-court-proceedings-with-rice-incident/article66024069.ece [2] https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-doctor-fined-for-disrupting-court-proceedings-with-rice-incident-2995673 [3] https://www.news18.com/news/india/doctor-fined-rs-2000-for-disrupting-court-proceedings-by-throwing-rice-in-delhi-court-2995673.html [4] https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/doctor-fined-rs-2000-for-disrupting-court-proceedings-by-throwing-rice-in-delhi-court-123082001904_1.html [5] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/doctor-fined-rs-2000-for-disrupting-court-proceedings-by-throwing-rice-in-delhi-court-1876671-2023-08-15

In light of the disruptive incident involving the doctor's rice-throwing, political discussions may focus on the importance of maintaining court decorum and adhering to the law, given the potential for such actions to undermine the rule of law and threaten the administration of justice. This incident, being an unexpected episode in the general-news sphere, also highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in crime-and-justice matters, especially within the courtroom setting to preserve the dignity of the judiciary.

Court Imposes Fine on Doctor for Scattering Rice in Courtroom, Lawyers Allege Use of Dark Magic