Unprecedented Courtroom Drama: Woman Hijacks District Judge’s Chair in Varanasi

VARANASI – A bizarre and disruptive incident unfolded at the Varanasi District Court on Friday morning, causing widespread chaos when a woman managed to gain access to the District Judge’s courtroom, occupied the presiding chair, and began "conducting" proceedings.

The Incident

The woman, identified as 50-year-old Vandana Gupta, a resident of Shivpur, entered the courtroom around 10:00 AM. With the District Judge reportedly on leave for the day, the courtroom was otherwise unoccupied by the presiding officer.

According to eyewitnesses, Gupta confidently took a seat on the judge’s dais and began handling case files that had been placed for the day's scheduled hearings. She repeatedly used the judge’s gavel, demanding that lawyers present their witnesses and evidence for the cases she intended to "hear".

"Today, I am the District Judge," she reportedly declared to the stunned legal professionals present in the courtroom.

Police Intervention

The disruption lasted for approximately an hour, drawing a crowd of bewildered advocates who were initially unsure how to respond to the high-voltage drama. When lawyers attempted to persuade her to vacate the chair, she allegedly became aggressive and threatened those who approached the dais.

The situation was eventually brought under control after the police were notified. Personnel from the Cantt Police Station arrived at the scene and, following a period of persistent negotiation and resistance from the woman, successfully removed her from the courtroom.

Aftermath and Security Concerns

DCP (Varuna Zone) Pramod Kumar confirmed that after questioning, the police transported the woman to the Cantt police station and subsequently dropped her off at her residence. Authorities indicated that she is reportedly suffering from mental health issues and has no pending litigation in the court.

The incident has sparked serious concerns regarding security protocols within the court complex. Upon learning of the breach, Additional District Judge Yajuvendra Vikram Singh arrived at the scene and expressed strong displeasure at the absence of security personnel in the courtroom. He has reportedly summoned a formal report regarding the lapse and issued strict instructions to ensure such unauthorized entry does not recur.