Delhi HC: “Inappropriate” Dance Performances Disrupted Patiala House Court’s Holi Milan Celebrations

The Delhi High Court has condemned the ‘inappropriate’ dance performances that took place on March 6 at the Patiala House Court (PHC) Complex in New Delhi during the ‘Holi Milan’ function organised by the New Delhi Bar Association (NDBA).

Taking note of the two video clips that have been circulated in the media/social media of the ‘Holi Milan’ function organised by the New Delhi Bar Association on March 6, 2023, in the premises of Patiala House Court Complex, New Delhi, showing professional dancers dancing to Bollywood songs, the Delhi High Court, in its full court decision dated March 10, 2023, has objected and condemned the same in the strongest terms, stating “it is not in line with the high moral and ethical standards of the legal profession and having the effect of tarnishing the image of the judicial institution.”

Furthermore, the Principal District and Sessions Judge, New Delhi District, Patiala House Courts has been directed to issue a show cause notice to the New Delhi Bar Association within three days, and after receiving a response from the New Delhi Bar Association, he will take appropriate action and send a report to the Delhi High Court, and until the issue is finally decided, the Principal District and Sessions Judge, New Delhi District, Patiala House Courts has been directed not to allow any further proceedings.

Furthermore, whenever any District Court Bar Association requests permission to use the Court premises for any event, the concerned Principal District and Sessions Judge shall take reasonable steps to ensure that the event is conducted in accordance with the high moral and ethical standards of the legal profession, that all laws, rules, and regulations are strictly followed, and that nothing is done that diminishes the dignity of the legal profession.