A Delhi court sentenced a man to imprisonment till the rising of the court after he deliberately threw rice inside a courtroom, disrupting proceedings. The incident took place on August 11 during a hearing before Additional Sessions Judge Shefali Barnala Tandon.
Court staff and advocates informed the judge that the accused had thrown rice on the floor. Lawyers present in the packed courtroom hesitated to approach the dais for their cases, fearing the act was linked to black magic. Judge Tandon directed the accused to collect the rice and also called for a sweeper, who arrived about ten minutes later to clean the floor.
The accused, identified as Dr. Chander Vibhas, a surgeon by profession, went down on his knees and apologised after the disruption. His lawyer, who initially appeared virtually, later sought time to appear in person.
Resuming proceedings, Judge Tandon observed, “The courtroom is a space where justice is sought and delivered, and maintaining its dignity is essential for the rule of law. Disrespect towards the court or disruption of judicial proceedings sends a damaging public message and undermines the judicial process.”
The judge further noted that Vibhas’s act halted proceedings for 15–20 minutes, which amounted to an intentional interruption under Section 267 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. She also referred to the Maharashtra law against black magic, stressing the need to protect society from such practices.
Calling the accused’s conduct “shocking and surprising” for someone from an educated and professional background, the court still considered his apology and remorse. Vibhas was sentenced to imprisonment till the rising of the court and fined ₹2,000, with the assurance that he would not repeat the act.
