Allahabad HC Bar Association: Boycott Justice Ajay Bhanot Over Contempt Allegations

• The Allahabad High Court Bar Association (AHCBA) has threatened to boycott Justice Ajay Bhanot's court.
• This threat follows allegations that Justice Bhanot humiliated an advocate during a seating dispute on October 27, threatening him with jail.
• The AHCBA's complaint to the Chief Justice also alleges the judge threw a senior advocate's letter and objects to reserved courtroom seating.
• The association characterizes Justice Bhanot's alleged conduct as contempt and an affront to the legal profession's dignity.

The Allahabad High Court Bar Association views Justice Ajay Bhanot's alleged actions as a direct affront to the dignity of the legal profession and has characterized his conduct as falling within the scope of contempt.

The Allahabad High Court Bar Association (AHCBA) has formally accused Justice Ajay Bhanot of contemptuous conduct, threatening a boycott of his courtroom unless their grievances are addressed. This stern warning follows an incident on October 27, where an advocate was reportedly humiliated during court proceedings in Courtroom 49, presided over by Justice Bhanot. The association's complaint, lodged with the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, details a contentious exchange stemming from a seating dispute.

According to the AHCBA's account, a police superintendent from a district was occupying a seat designated for police officers and other senior officials, located behind an Additional Government Advocate (AGA). An advocate present in the courtroom reportedly asked the police officer to vacate the seat, asserting it was not intended for him. This intervention prompted an objection from the AGA, who then informed the advocate of an intention to report the matter to the judge. Upon Justice Bhanot's arrival, the AGA indeed raised the issue, leading to the judge allegedly pointing at the advocate and ordering his imprisonment.

Further allegations from the AHCBA state that when the advocate attempted to offer an apology, Justice Bhanot instead instructed him to apologize directly to the police superintendent, which the advocate subsequently did. The situation escalated further on a Wednesday morning, when the courtroom experienced significant disruption, with furniture being thrown, preventing the court from functioning. The AHCBA also reported that Justice Bhanot allegedly threw a letter belonging to senior advocate B P Srivastava within the courtroom, an act the association claims deeply offended the dignity of the legal professionals present.

The Allahabad High Court Bar Association views Justice Ajay Bhanot's alleged actions as a direct affront to the dignity of the legal profession and has characterized his conduct as falling within the scope of contempt. In their communication to the Chief Justice, the AHCBA emphasized that if the judiciary feels entitled to insult advocates, then advocates, in turn, will not hesitate to respond in kind. This strong statement underscores the gravity with which the association perceives the alleged humiliation of one of its members and the broader implications for the professional relationship between the bench and the bar.

The association has unequivocally stated its intention to boycott Justice Ajay Bhanot’s court should appropriate action not be taken in response to its complaint. This potential boycott highlights the deep dissatisfaction within the legal community regarding the alleged treatment of the advocate and the perceived disregard for professional courtesy and respect. The AHCBA is urging the Chief Justice to take serious cognizance of the incident and to initiate suitable measures to address their concerns, thereby seeking to uphold the integrity and respect due to advocates within the judicial system.

Beyond the immediate incident, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association has also raised objections regarding the alleged practice of reserving seats for specific individuals within the courtroom. The association questioned the appropriateness of such arrangements, suggesting that they could contribute to an environment where disputes over seating, like the one that occurred, are more likely to arise. This broader critique points to systemic issues that the AHCBA believes need to be addressed to ensure fairness and prevent future conflicts.

The ongoing dispute between the Allahabad HC Bar Association and Justice Ajay Bhanot underscores the critical importance of maintaining mutual respect and decorum within courtrooms. The AHCBA's firm stance, including the threat of a court boycott, signals a significant challenge to judicial authority when advocates perceive their professional dignity to be compromised. The resolution of this matter, and the Chief Justice's response to the complaint, will be closely watched by legal practitioners, as it could set a precedent for how similar conflicts between the bench and the bar are handled in the future, impacting the functioning of the Allahabad High Court.

Lawyers practicing in the Allahabad High Court should monitor this ongoing dispute between the Bar Association and Justice Ajay Bhanot, as it may impact court proceedings, case management, and the general environment within the courtroom, potentially requiring adjustments to litigation strategy or client advice regarding judicial temperament and potential delays.

Source: Original reporting via legal news outlet