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The Bombay High Court on Monday cancelled a show-cause notice issued to a woman who had sent direct WhatsApp messages to a judge while a case she was involved in was ongoing. The court accepted her apology but warned her against engaging in such behaviour in the future.
The woman was involved in a legal dispute with her estranged husband over the custody of their six-year-old daughter. She had approached the High Court to challenge a district court ruling that granted her husband custody and allowed her only occasional meetings and video calls with the child.
On November 29, the bench had refused to grant interim relief to the woman. The following morning, Justice MM Sathaye received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number, which he blocked. A few days later, on December 2, the judge received a series of messages and videos from another number.
The bench, suspecting that the woman was responsible for the messages, questioned her in court later that day. She admitted to sending the messages.
The court expressed its displeasure, saying, “Clearly an attempt has been made by the Appellant (mother) to over-reach the law to interfere with the administration of justice and to try to influence the mind of the judge. This conduct is bordering on contempt of court. This cannot be taken lightly.”
While acknowledging the emotional strain the woman was under due to the custody dispute, the court noted that her actions were inappropriate. The woman explained that she was feeling desperate and helpless, which led her to contact the judge directly.
The bench accepted her explanation but advised her not to repeat the conduct.
