Lawyers Protest Turns Chaotic in Allahabad High Court

A protest by the Allahabad High Court Bar Association against Justice Ajay Bhanot escalated into chaos on Wednesday, resulting in furniture being thrown in the courtroom. This unrest followed the Bar Association's earlier threat to boycott Justice Bhanot's court due to claims of misconduct towards a lawyer.

The controversy began when the Bar Association accused Justice Bhanot of forcing a lawyer to apologize to a Superintendent of Police for questioning the officer's seating arrangement. The lawyer had requested the SP to move to the back, as the front row is typically reserved for legal professionals. The Bar Association alleged that the judge responded by threatening the lawyer with jail time and ridiculing another senior counsel present.

In response to these allegations, the Bar Association called for the Chief Justice to intervene, warning that they would boycott Justice Bhanot's court if no action was taken. Videos from the scene depicted a large gathering of advocates outside the courtroom, where Justice Bhanot was presiding alongside Justice Divesh Chandra Samant.

During the protest, lawyers were seen chanting slogans and reportedly throwing furniture and other items within the courtroom. Some reports even indicated that a shoe was hurled at Justice Bhanot, although this claim could not be independently verified by Bar & Bench.

The incident raises significant concerns regarding the relationship between the judiciary and legal practitioners in Allahabad. As tensions mount, the Bar Association's next steps remain uncertain, with potential implications for court proceedings and the judicial environment in the region.