The Allahabad High Court has issued a show-cause notice to a Pairokar found recording court proceedings without authorization during a bail hearing. Justice Krishan Pahal observed that such an act constitutes a serious interference with the administration of justice and amounts to a prima facie case of criminal contempt.
The order was passed in Ravendra Kumar Dhobi Versus State Of U.P. And 3 Others (Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. 27453 of 2025).
The matter came up for hearing before Justice Krishan Pahal regarding a bail application. The applicant was represented by learned counsels Sri Brij Gopal Singh and Sri Brij Raj Singh. The opposite parties were represented by Ms. Pooja Mishra, learned counsel for the High Court Legal Services Committee, and Sri Rajendra Prasad Singh, learned State Law Officer.
During the course of arguments, the Court noticed that one Amit Kumar, identified as the Pairokar of the accused, was recording the court proceedings using a mobile device without seeking permission.
Upon being confronted, Amit Kumar admitted to the act of recording the proceedings. The Court took serious note of this conduct, classifying it as criminal contempt under the Contempt of Courts Act.
In its order, the Court observed:
“The said act of Amit, who is the Pairokar of the accused in the instant case, amounts to contempt of Court. This act constitutes a serious interference with the administration of justice and a prima facie case of criminal contempt under the Contempt of Courts Act.”
The Single Judge Bench further noted its satisfaction regarding the gravity of the act:
“The Court is satisfied that the contempt is of such a nature that it substantially interferes with the due course of justice.”
Consequently, the High Court issued a notice to Amit Kumar, returnable on December 18, 2025, directing him to show cause as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for the unauthorized video recording.
The Court directed the matter to be listed on December 18, 2025. Justice Krishan Pahal recused himself from the contempt proceedings, directing that the case be listed before an appropriate Bench after seeking nomination from the Chief Justice or Senior Judge.
Counsel for Applicant: Brij Gopal Singh, Brij Raj Singh
Counsel for Opposite Party: Pooja Mishra (HCLSC), Rajendra Prasad Singh (State Law Officer)
