The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently directed that an advocate be taken into police custody for 24 hours, citing “indolent” conduct during court proceedings. The direction, however, was later withdrawn following intervention by the High Court Bar Association.

The incident occurred before Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao during the hearing of a petition challenging the issuance of a Look Out Circular (LOC) and impounding of a litigant’s passport. The Court had initially indicated its intention to adjourn the matter when an exchange took place between the Bench and counsel for the petitioner.

Expressing displeasure over the advocate’s conduct, the Court observed that the counsel had behaved indolently in open court. The judge also called upon other lawyers present in the courtroom to identify themselves so they could be recorded as witnesses to the incident.

During the proceedings, the Court directed the police to take the advocate into custody for 24 hours. The counsel sought leniency, stating that he was unwell and apologising before the Bench.

Subsequently, following intervention by the High Court Bar Association, the Court rescinded its direction to place the advocate in custody. The matter has since been adjourned and is expected to be listed after the summer vacation.

A video of the courtroom exchange has surfaced on social media, though the precise remarks that triggered the Court’s reaction remain unclear.