Mumbai: The first day of the implementation of the cell phone ban in the Bombay high court saw a lot of arguments and run ins between the police and general public. Police officers said they physically removed around 50 persons from the courtrooms after they were found carrying cell phones inside during proceedings. Meanwhile, a petition challenging the ban has been filed in the high court and is expected to come up for hearing on Thursday.

According to Mumbai-based advocate Vinod Gangwal who has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Bombay high court challenging the February 13 circular barring parties, litigants and general public from carrying cell phones within courtrooms said, “The petition has prayed to set aside the circular as the mobile phone has become a necessity and an integral part of the lives of people. There is no such ban in other high courts and hence the petition prays that the court withdraw the order,” said Mr Gangwal.

He added that the ban would not only affect the general public but also advocates as the court has itself initiated mobile messaging services that inform them of cases. “The circular will create complete chaos and innocent people cannot be deprived of their fundamental rights, as per article 21 of the Constitution of India. People coming to court need to communicate with their families and offices but following this order they will not be able to do so, thus putting them at a disadvantage,” said Mr Gangwal.

A litigant, who named himself as only Kishore, said that he was asked to keep his mobile handset outside the courtroom, “I have come alone to the court today for my case, but the police will not allow me entry into the courtroom. Even though I assured them that I would switch off my phone I was refused entry. This is a very difficult situation for me. I don’t know what to do.”