The Allahabad High Court courtroom of Justice Ajay Bhanot was reportedly vandalised by lawyers on Wednesday, amid ongoing controversy regarding his conduct during court proceedings. This incident occurred shortly after the newly elected office-bearers of the High Court Bar Association requested action concerning an alleged incident involving Justice Bhanot that took place on October 27.

The situation escalated when Justice Bhanot entered the courtroom in Prayagraj, where lawyers opposed his presence, with some raising slogans against him. According to reports from the Press Trust of India, a group of lawyers subsequently vandalised furniture within the courtroom, including tables and chairs. This act of vandalism appears to be a direct response to the tensions surrounding Justice Bhanot’s recent handling of court proceedings, which have drawn criticism from the legal community.

Allegations Against Justice Bhanot

The High Court Bar Association has expressed serious concerns regarding Justice Bhanot’s behaviour during the October 27 proceedings. In a letter sent to Chief Justice Arun Bhansali through the Registrar General, the association alleged that Justice Bhanot had humiliated an advocate and made derogatory remarks towards senior advocate V P Srivastava.

The letter detailed an incident where a Superintendent of Police was seated behind the additional government advocate. An advocate reportedly requested the officer to move to another row, claiming the seat was not designated for him. The additional government advocate allegedly responded harshly to this request, stating he would lodge a complaint with the judge.

Following this, Justice Bhanot reportedly entered the courtroom and pointed a finger at the advocate, ordering that he be sent to jail. When the advocate sought forgiveness, the judge allegedly instructed him to apologise to the police officer present, which raised further concerns about the judge’s conduct.

The Bar Association’s letter also claimed that Justice Bhanot mocked senior advocate Srivastava, stating that such actions had negatively impacted the dignity of the legal profession. The association described the behaviour as contemptuous and urged the Chief Justice to take the matter seriously and initiate appropriate action against Justice Bhanot.

Reactions and Consequences

The vandalism in the courtroom has sparked significant reactions within the legal community, with many expressing outrage over the alleged treatment of advocates by Justice Bhanot. The High Court Bar Association’s complaint highlights the growing discontent among lawyers regarding judicial conduct and the respect afforded to legal professionals in court.

The association’s actions suggest a determination to address perceived injustices and uphold the dignity of the legal fraternity. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Chief Justice will respond to the allegations and the vandalism incident. The legal community is closely monitoring developments, with expectations for a thorough investigation into the allegations against Justice Bhanot and the subsequent actions taken by the Bar Association.

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the legal profession, raising questions about the balance of authority and respect within the courtroom. The outcome of this situation may have lasting implications for the relationship between judges and lawyers in the Allahabad High Court and beyond.

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