Lawyers reportedly vandalized the courtroom of Justice Ajay Bhanot at Allahabad high court PRAYAGRAJ: Tension gripped the Allahabad high court on Wednesday after a group of lawyers allegedly vandalised the courtroom of Justice Ajay Bhanot amid a controversy over his alleged conduct during court proceedings.The incident came a day after the newly elected office-bearers of the High Court Bar Association sought Chief Justice Arun Bhansali’s intervention over an alleged incident involving the judge on October 27.When Justice Bhanot entered his courtroom on Wednesday, lawyers reportedly opposed him, with some raising slogans. A group of lawyers later allegedly vandalised tables and chairs inside the courtroom.
Lawyers protest against Justice Ajay Bhanot
The incident followed a letter sent by the newly elected office-bearers of the high court Bar Association to Chief Justice Arun Bhansali on Tuesday through the Registrar General, seeking action over the judge’s alleged conduct during court proceedings on October 27.In the letter, the association alleged that Justice Bhanot had humiliated an advocate and mocked senior advocate V P Srivastava.
What happened during court proceedings?
According to the letter, a Superintendent of Police officer was seated in the row behind the additional government advocate (AGA) when an advocate asked him to move to the row behind, saying the seat was not his.The AGA allegedly rebuked the advocate and told him that he would complain to the judge.The association claimed that after entering the courtroom, Justice Bhanot pointed a finger at the advocate and, in harsh words, ordered that he be sent to jail.When the advocate sought forgiveness, the judge allegedly directed him to apologise to the police officer, the letter stated.
Allahabad high court Bar Association seeks action against judge
The association also alleged that Justice Bhanot mocked senior advocate Srivastava, claiming that the incident had adversely affected the dignity of the legal fraternity.Describing the alleged conduct as contemptuous, the association urged the Chief Justice to take serious note of the matter and initiate appropriate action.(With PTI inputs)
