Allahabad High Court: CCTV Advocates Protest Justice Bhanot, Contempt Review Ordered

• The Allahabad High Court ordered a CCTV review to identify advocates who disrupted proceedings by raising slogans.
• The disruption was a protest over an incident involving Justice Ajay Bhanot and an advocate's alleged humiliation.
• Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal deemed the advocates' conduct "absolutely contemptuous" and an interference with justice.
• The court warned of potential disciplinary action by the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh and contempt proceedings against those identified.
• The underlying bail application of Devendra Kumar v. State of Uttar Pradesh was adjourned due to the disturbance.

This order underscores the judiciary's firm stance against any actions that impede the administration of justice, signaling a heightened risk of severe professional repercussions for advocates who engage in such conduct.

The Allahabad High Court has initiated a thorough investigation into the conduct of advocates who disrupted court proceedings by raising slogans, issuing a directive for a comprehensive review of CCTV footage. This action by the court aims to identify those involved in the protest, which centered on an incident concerning Justice Ajay Bhanot. Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal, presiding over a bail application in Court No. 66, characterized the advocates' behavior as "absolutely contemptuous," emphasizing the gravity of interfering with judicial functions.

The order mandates the Registrar (Protocol) to examine the available surveillance recordings and compile a report detailing the identities of the advocates responsible for the disturbance. This report is due by the next scheduled listing date for the case. The court has also indicated that the identified individuals could face disciplinary action, potentially involving a referral to the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh, alongside the initiation of contempt proceedings. The disruption occurred during the hearing of a bail application in the case of Devendra Kumar v. State of Uttar Pradesh, which subsequently had to be adjourned.

The advocate protest that led to the Allahabad High Court's stern response was rooted in an incident that transpired on October 27 in Court No. 49, involving Justice Ajay Bhanot. According to reports, an advocate was allegedly subjected to humiliation during court proceedings following a disagreement over seating arrangements, which also involved a police officer. It was further alleged that Justice Bhanot instructed the advocate to apologize to the police officer and issued a threat of imprisonment.

This incident prompted the Allahabad High Court Bar Association to formally address the Chief Justice. In a letter, the association contended that Justice Bhanot's conduct was inappropriate and called for immediate action. The association also issued a warning, stating its intention to boycott Justice Bhanot's court if their concerns were not adequately addressed, highlighting the significant tension that had built up prior to the recent disruptions.

Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal's order underscored the judiciary's commitment to maintaining decorum and ensuring the uninterrupted administration of justice. The judge observed that litigants approach the High Court specifically to seek redressal for their grievances, and therefore, advocates cannot be permitted to impede proceedings in other courts due to disagreements with a particular judge or court. The court explicitly stated that the act of raising voices, shouting, and employing words intended to intimidate the court was entirely unjustified and constituted interference with judicial processes.

The potential for Allahabad High Court contempt proceedings advocates and Bar Council Uttar Pradesh disciplinary action serves as a clear warning regarding advocate disruption court proceedings India. Justice Deshwal's firm stance reflects a broader principle that while advocates have the right to protest, such actions must not compromise the sanctity of the courtroom or the rights of other litigants. This Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal order reinforces the professional obligations of advocates to uphold the dignity of the court.

The Allahabad High Court's directive to investigate and potentially sanction advocates involved in the recent disruptions carries significant implications for professional conduct within the legal fraternity. This order underscores the judiciary's firm stance against any actions that impede the administration of justice, signaling a heightened risk of severe professional repercussions for advocates who engage in such conduct. The court's insistence on identifying those responsible through CCTV footage and considering both disciplinary and contempt actions sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

The specific instructions to the Registrar (Protocol) to submit a report by the next listing date, November 19, 2026, for the Devendra Kumar v. State of Uttar Pradesh bail application, indicate the urgency and seriousness with which the court views the matter. This incident serves as a critical reminder for legal professionals across India that while advocating for their rights or the rights of their peers, the methods employed must always respect judicial authority and the procedural integrity of the courts.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note the Allahabad High Court's firm stance against disruption of court proceedings, even in protest. This order signals a heightened risk of disciplinary action and contempt proceedings for advocates who engage in such conduct, emphasizing the need to maintain decorum and pursue grievances through appropriate channels to avoid severe professional repercussions.

Source: Original reporting via legal news outlet