New Delhi | July 15, 2025
“You can play games with anyone, but not with the court,” seems to be the strong message a Delhi court delivered when it handed down an unusual punishment to four individuals who disrespected court proceedings.
In a striking move, a Delhi Judicial Magistrate ordered the accused to stand inside the courtroom all day with their hands raised — a rare form of sentence aimed at making them reflect on their behavior.
Contempt of Court Leads to Non-Traditional Punishment
The case dates back to *2018, and during a recent final hearing, *Judicial Magistrate Saurabh Goyal observed that four individuals ignored repeated calls to submit their bail bonds.
Despite being present between *10:00 AM and 11:40 AM, the accused failed to comply with court procedures. Frustrated by the apparent **contempt and time-wasting, the judge invoked *Section 228 of the IPC, which deals with intentional insult or interruption to public servants during judicial proceedings.
“Stand With Hands Up Until Court Ends,” Orders Judge
As a direct consequence, the magistrate *ordered the four accused to remain standing with hands raised for the rest of the court session. The punishment, though symbolic, is meant to reinforce that *disrupting the judicial process is no small matter.
This unusual verdict gained public attention for its non-violent, yet firm approach to court discipline.
Who Are the Accused?
Out of the six originally accused in the 2018 case, two have reportedly passed away. The remaining four — Anand, Kuldeep, Rakesh, and Upasana — were present in court.
Interestingly, *Kuldeep did submit the required bail documents later, around *12:48 PM, after the punishment had already been imposed.
Why This Matters
This case highlights a *growing concern about courtroom discipline and accountability. Legal experts say that while jails and fines are common, *judges are exploring alternative punishments that send strong social messages without overcrowding prisons.
Legal Insight: What is Section 228 IPC?
Section 228 of the Indian Penal Code deals with intentional insult or interruption to a public servant while sitting in a judicial proceeding. The offense can attract:
- Simple imprisonment up to six months,
- Or a fine up to ₹1,000,
- Or both.
Key Highlights:
- Delhi court punishes 4 accused for disrespecting court procedure.
- Ordered to stand all day in court with hands raised.
- Judge invokes IPC Section 228 for contempt of court.
- Legal experts hail it as a strong message with minimal harshness.