The Allahabad High Court has called the conduct of certain advocates who raised slogans in the corridor outside a courtroom during a hearing “absolutely contemptuous.” It directed the Registry to identify them through CCTV footage.
Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal passed the order on 28 October 2026 while hearing a criminal bail application filed by Devendra Kumar in Court No. 66.
What Happened in Court
Advocate Surendra Singh Rajput, appearing for the applicant, sought an adjournment to bring on record the statements of witnesses recorded during trial, in compliance with the Court’s order dated 05.10.2026. AGA D.P.S. Chauhan appeared for the State. The Court adjourned the case and listed it as fresh on 19.11.2026.
During the hearing, certain advocates began raising their voices in the corridor outside Court No. 66. Advocate Mannu Sharma informed the Court that the advocates were protesting an incident in Court No. 49 relating to the dignity of an advocate, and that some of them were raising slogans in the corridor outside the courtroom.
Court’s Observations
The Court held that the incident amounted to interference with court proceedings, since poor litigants come to the High Court for redressal of their grievances. It observed:
“merely because some of the Advocates have problem with particular Court, they cannot be permitted to raise slogans, shout and disturb to other Courts’ proceedings and use such words which is in the nature to intimidate the Court.”
Calling the conduct “wholly unjustified,” the Court said:
“Therefore, this Court is of the view that such conduct of some Advocates is absolutely contemptuous.”
Directions
The Court directed the Registrar (Protocol) to obtain the footage from the CCTV camera installed outside Court No. 66, identify the advocates involved and submit a report by the next date of listing. Once the advocates are identified, the matter may be referred to the Bar Council of U.P. for disciplinary proceedings, and contempt proceedings may also be initiated.
The Registrar (Compliance) was directed to send a copy of the order to the Registrar (Protocol) for compliance. The bail application will be taken up next on 19.11.2026.
Case Title: Devendra Kumar v. State of U.P.
Case No.: Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. 32917 of 2026
Bench: Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal
Date: 28 October 2026
