Joint Labour Commissioner pulled up for misbehaving with advocate

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The Delhi High Court expressed disapproval at the conduct of the Joint Labour Commissioner, Labour Commission, Government of NCT Delhi with a junior advocate. 

The Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Hon'ble Mr. Vipin Sanghi J. and Mr. Navin Chawla J., was hearing a petition filed by practising lawyers who were Senior citizens. The Petitioners prayed for the court to direct the Subordinate Courts and Quasi Judicial bodies in Delhi to hold provide hybrid hearings, even when they hold physical hearings, as there are several counsels who suffer from co-morbidities and are unable to appear before the Court due to the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Upon the issuance of Administrative order issued by the High Court dated 14th January, 2021, the Subordinate Courts were to sit physically on alternate days. After the issuance of the said notification by the Court, some of the Subordinate Courts were even holding hybrid hearings, which is convenient to the Senior members of the Bar. However, on physical dates, a number of Courts were not holding hearings due to various reasons, including lack of infrastructure and bad internet connectivity. 

The Petitioner argued that when his proxy counsel requested the Labour Department for a virtual hearing, the Joint Labour Commissioner misbehaved and threatened him. The Delhi High Court directed parties to maintain decorum and to provide a link in the cause list itself. The counsel appearing for Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi submitted that action would be taken against the officer. 

The matter has been listed on May 11, 2022

Case Title :- Ajay Kumar v State NCT of Delhi