The conviction of a man in a six-year-old cheque bounce case triggered a disturbing turn of events for Delhi judge Shivangi Mangla, who was subjected to verbal abuse, threats, and harassment inside her courtroom.
Convict threatens judge in the middle of the courtroom
As Judge Mangla pronounced the conviction at the Dwarka court on April 2, the accused lashed out, reportedly saying, “Tu hai kya cheez… tu bahar mil dekhte hai kaise zinda ghar jaati hai” (“Who do you think you are? Meet us outside—we’ll see how you return home alive”). Both the convict and his counsel allegedly demanded that the judge resign, threatening to file complaints and force her out if she refused.
Judge’s reaction to this threat
In her court order, the judge stated, “They harassed me mentally and physically, pressuring me to resign. They further insisted I acquit the accused or else they would lodge complaints and coerce my resignation.”
She has referred the matter to the District and Sessions Judge for escalation to the Delhi High Court for suitable action. She also urged the National Commission for Women to take appropriate steps against the accused.
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Accused’s Lawyer in trouble after this incident
Judge Mangla issued a showcause notice to the accused’s lawyer, advocate Atul Kumar, questioning why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him.
“Court notice be issued to counsel for accused Sh. Atul Kumar to show cause in writing, providing a relevant explanation for his conduct today, and to explain why he should not be referred to the Hon’ble High Court for initiation of criminal contempt proceedings,” her order stated.
On April 5, the judge sentenced the convict to 22 months in jail and imposed a fine of ₹6.65 lakh in the cheque bounce matter.
