Allahabad High Court: In a case of criminal contempt against two practicing advocates for their misconduct towards the Presiding Officer (‘PO’) of the Court of Civil Judge (Senior Division), Prayagraj, as well as their assault on litigants within the courtroom, the Division Bench of Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Mohd. Azhar Husain Idrisi, JJ., invoked its inherent jurisdiction under Chapter XXIV Rule 11(2) of Allahabad High Court Rules, 1952, restraining the two advocates from practicing within the State of U.P. and further prohibiting them from entering the premises of District Judgeship at Allahabad.
Background
The case at hand stems from a disturbing incident that unfolded within the judicial confines of the Court of the Civil Judge. During the proceedings of a matter, a group of lawyers forcibly interrupted the Court proceedings and exerted pressure on the PO to prioritize a different matter, involving themselves, over the ongoing case.
The presiding officer, along with the litigants of the ongoing case, faced physical assault and verbal abuse at the hands of the group of lawyers advocating for the immediate consideration of the matter. Despite attempts by the President of the Bar Association to mediate and resolve the situation, the aggressors, identified as the advocates herein, remained unyielding. The escalation of the altercation led to the President of the Bar Association exiting the scene to ensure his safety, leaving the PO and the litigants vulnerable to further aggression.
The situation deteriorated rapidly as the assailants breached the sanctity of the Court chambers, physically assaulting certain litigants seeking refuge. The PO, fearing for her safety, sought refuge in the chamber of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, while promptly alerting law enforcement authorities to the unfolding crisis. The delayed arrival of police personnel intensified the gravity of the situation. The PO, in her account of the harrowing ordeal, pointed out the egregious nature of the incident, emphasizing the existential threat posed to her life and liberty.
Decision
Upon perusal of the reference made by the PO, the Court saidthat such incidents leave a serious question mark on the way the Court proceedings are conducted. The Court further remarked that “Instances of this kind pose a serious challenge to the very functioning of the judicial system and the incident has to be viewed seriously.”
In response to the prima facie evidence of criminal contempt perpetrated by the two advocates, the Court issued notices to them, initiating proceedings to hold them accountable for their actions.
The Court further invoked its jurisdiction under Chapter XXIV Rule 11(2) of the Allahabad High Court Rules, 1952, imposing prohibitory measures, restraining the advocates from entering the premises of the District Judgeship at Allahabad and restraining them from practicing law within the State of UP.
The Court has also directed the District Judge, Prayagraj, to furnish a comprehensive report, including CCTV footage, to ascertain the involvement of any other individuals or legal practitioners in the commission of contemptuous acts. Additionally, the Commissioner of Police has been tasked with evaluating and bolstering security arrangements within Court premises to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in the future.
[In Re, Ranvijay Singh ., 2024 SCC OnLine All 1329, Order dated 30-04-2024]
