'Lawyers or a Mob?': Allahabad HC Slams Courtroom Vandalism
The Allahabad High Court slams lawyers for "mob-like" violence in Courtroom 49, recommending contempt action and FIRs for vandalism.
The Allahabad High Court has expressed profound shock and indignation over a violent outburst within its own premises, questioning whether the individuals involved were legal professionals or a "mob" intent on chaos. Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident, the court has termed the vandalism and assault in Courtroom No. 49 as a direct assault on the dignity of the judiciary and the rule of law.
A Breakdown of Order in Courtroom 49
A Division Bench, consisting of Justice Ajay Bhanot and Justice Diwesh Chandra Samant, issued a comprehensive 29-page order detailing the gravity of the situation. The court noted that the incident was not a random flare-up but a serious breach of judicial sanctity. The Bench remarked that it was difficult to believe they were dealing with lawyers, as the behavior mirrored that of a violent mob.
The court emphasized that violence cannot be ignored or excused under the guise of maintaining harmony. In a stern warning, the Bench stated that appeasing such violent behavior would only make the courts vulnerable to blackmail in the future.
Evidence of Violence and Assault
The court's observations were backed by a formal inquiry report submitted by the Registrar General, along with incriminating video footage. The evidence confirmed two major points of concern:
- Extensive Vandalism: The physical infrastructure of Courtroom No. 49 was targeted and damaged.
- Assault on Counsel: Government counsel were physically assaulted inside the courtroom, highlighting the volatility of the situation.
Strict Legal Recommendations
Refusing to let the incident slide, the Division Bench has made several strong recommendations to the Chief Justice for immediate action:
- Criminal Contempt: The court recommended that criminal contempt proceedings be initiated against the lawyers identified as being responsible for the violence and destruction.
- Police Action: The Bench urged the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) against those who instigated the violence, participated in the vandalism, or hatched a criminal conspiracy to disrupt the court.
War Against Misinformation
Beyond the physical violence, the High Court expressed deep concern over a digital campaign designed to malign the judiciary. The Bench observed that a "carefully orchestrated web of half-truths and falsehoods" had been spread online to tarnish the image of the High Court and its judges.
The court noted that this online frenzy served to fuel public discontent toward the judiciary and obstructed the legal process. Consequently, the Bench has directed the Registrar General to:
- Lodge FIRs against the creators of malicious, false, and misleading content.
- Seek the blocking and deletion of such social media posts.
The final decision regarding the criminal contempt proceedings, the filing of FIRs, and the crackdown on social media misinformation now rests with the Chief Justice.