Lawyers Allegedly Vandalise Allahabad HC Courtroom After Boycott Threat Against Justice Ajay Bhanot
The Freedom Press
Prayagraj, October 28: Tensions escalated at the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday after a group of lawyers allegedly vandalised Courtroom No. 49, where Justice Ajay Bhanot was presiding. The incident followed a boycott threat issued by the Allahabad High Court Bar Association over allegations that the judge had humiliated an advocate during court proceedings.
According to reports media reports, lawyers opposed Justice Bhanot when he entered the courtroom and raised slogans. Some advocates allegedly threw furniture, including tables and chairs, during the protest. Reports indicated that security personnel escorted the judge out through a rear exit, although this detail could not be independently verified from the sources reviewed.
The controversy originated on October 27, when an advocate reportedly objected to a Superintendent of Police occupying a seat in a row generally reserved for lawyers. The Bar Association alleged that Justice Bhanot subsequently ordered the advocate to be sent to jail and compelled him to apologise to the police officer. It also accused the judge of mocking senior advocate V.P. Srivastava.
In a letter to Chief Justice Arun Bhansali, the association sought appropriate action and warned of a boycott.
Separately, the High Court took serious note of disruptive protests in its corridors and directed the identification of advocates involved, with possible contempt proceedings and disciplinary action under consideration.
