The Allahabad High Court has recommended initiation of criminal contempt proceedings against lawyers allegedly involved in violence, assault and vandalism inside Court No. 49 on October 28, 2026. The Court has also requested the Chief Justice to consider directions for registration of FIRs against the concerned lawyers and persons who circulated allegedly false social media posts about the incidents.
A Division Bench ofJustice Ajay Bhanot and Justice Divesh Chandra Samant, while taking note of the incident, observed that the conduct of the lawyers had prima facie scandalised and lowered the authority of the Court, interfered with judicial proceedings and obstructed the administration of justice.
The proceedings arose after a group of lawyers allegedly disrupted court proceedings by shouting slogans and creating an uproar, following which the Bench had to rise. The order records that, after the Judges returned to their chambers, Additional Government Advocate-I Paritosh Kumar Malviya approached them with injuries and informed them that he had been physically assaulted by a group of lawyers inside the courtroom. He further alleged that the assault was linked to his appearance for the State in matters before the Court.
The Bench also took note of allegations that other Additional Government Advocates, court staff and security personnel were assaulted, while courtroom furniture was damaged and the courtroom vandalised. The Registrar General’s report and statements of the AGAs were relied upon by the Court, which also examined video footage in which the alleged assailants were stated to be identifiable.
The order further addresses a letter dated October 27, 2026, issued by the newly elected office-bearers of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association concerning alleged humiliation of lawyers and courtroom seating arrangements. The Bench disputed the allegations made in the letter, explaining that seating was provided to officials called upon to assist the Court. It also recorded that Senior Advocate V.P. Srivastava had appeared before it and clarified that he had not been humiliated during the proceedings on the previous day.
The Court expressed concern over the circulation of allegedly false and misleading narratives on social media concerning the incident, observing that such posts had the potential to undermine the credibility of the judicial process and the standing of constitutional institutions. At the same time, it recognised that criticism of judicial decisions is a right and, at times, a duty, while distinguishing legitimate criticism from personal abuse, threats and incitement to violence against judges.
Emphasising the relationship between the Bar and the Bench, the Court observed that disagreement and debate must not degenerate into intimidation or violence. It noted that the obligation of lawyers to speak truth to power does not extend to inciting violence against individuals or creating disaffection against the institution.
The Bench held that the material before it disclosed a prima facie case of criminal offences involving instigation, conspiracy and perpetration of violence and vandalism in the Court, as well as preventing government officials from discharging their duties. It further held that the conduct prima facie amounted to criminal contempt.
Accordingly, the Bench directed that the matter be placed before the Chief Justice for transmission to an appropriate Bench for prosecution of criminal contempt proceedings against the concerned lawyers in accordance with law. It also requested the Chief Justice to consider directing the Registrar General to ensure registration of FIRs against the lawyers for the alleged offences, as well as against persons who circulated false social media posts concerning the incidents, and to ensure that such posts are blocked and deleted.
The Court further directed that the Registrar General’s report dated October 28, 2026, be placed in a sealed cover on the record.
