In an otherwise weighty Supreme Court hearing, an amusing technical hiccup brought an unexpected smile to the bench. Senior advocate AM Singhvi, attending virtually, appeared on screen with what looked like a “headless” effect.
The matter before the three-judge bench concerned petitions seeking to pause a suo motu directive issued earlier in the week by Justice JB Pardiwala’s bench, which ordered that no stray animals be allowed to wander freely in the National Capital Region (NCR). As proceedings unfolded, Justice Nath spotted the unusual visual.
“Why is your head cut off, Mr Singhvi?” he quipped, briefly lightening the courtroom atmosphere. Singhvi, smiling, responded, “It is the technology, Milord!” The odd framing was likely the result of a virtual background filter or camera misalignment, cropping out the top of his head and producing the comical “headless” effect.
Though momentary, the exchange was a reminder that in the age of remote appearances, even the most solemn legal proceedings aren’t immune to the quirks of modern technology. From lagging audio to vanishing backgrounds, such glitches can slip into serious discussions, occasionally providing a much-needed dash of humour.
This lighthearted interlude didn’t derail the core proceedings, but it highlighted how human—and sometimes hilariously imperfect—our reliance on tech can be. In a space known for gravitas and precision, the fleeting laughter was a gentle acknowledgment that even in law’s most formal settings, unexpected moments can bridge the gap between procedure and personality.