Prayagraj : A division bench of the Allahabad high court comprising Justice Ajay Bhanot and Justice Divesh Chandra Samant has recommended criminal contempt proceedings against lawyers allegedly involved in vandalism and the assault of an additional government advocate (AGA) inside the court on Oct 28. The bench has also recommended registration of an FIR against the lawyers concerned.
- In its detailed order dated Oct 29, the bench recounted the developments leading to the violence. It said that on the morning of Oct 28, while the judges were preparing to proceed to court from Justice Bhanot’s chamber, the private secretary received information from the bench secretary that a group of lawyers had gathered in the courtroom, were in a restive mood and were raising slogans.
Justice Bhanot, who dictated the order, titled the proceedings, “In Re: Commission of Criminal Contempt and Criminal Offences by Lawyers in Court No. The court also recommended registration of an FIR against persons allegedly responsible for circulating false social media posts relating to the incident and sought action for blocking and deleting such posts.
“In wake of the preceding discussion, prima facie commission of criminal offences of instigating violence, conspiring to commit violence, and perpetrating violence and vandalism in court and preventing the govt officials from discharging their duties are disclosed against the lawyers,” the bench said. In its order, the court observed that a prima facie case of serious criminal offences was made out against the lawyers. The bench further requested that appropriate action be considered for registration of criminal cases. It suggested that the registrar general of the HC be directed to ensure registration of an FIR against the lawyers concerned for alleged incitement to violence, conspiracy to commit violence, perpetration of violence and vandalism inside the court, besides any other offences that may be made out.
The court directed that the matter be placed before the chief justice for transmission to an appropriate bench for prosecution of criminal contempt proceedings against the lawyers in accordance with law.