‘Unbuttoned Shirt & Unruly Words’: Allahabad HC Sends Lawyer to Jail for Courtroom Misconduct

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Lucknow: In a rare and stern move, the Allahabad High Court has sentenced lawyer Ashok Pande to six months’ imprisonment in a 2021 contempt of court case, after he allegedly insulted judges and defied basic courtroom decorum.

A division bench comprising Justices Vivek Chaudhary and B.R. Singh delivered the ruling on Thursday, terming the punishment “exemplary” in light of Pande’s past conduct, his disrespectful appearance, and refusal to participate in court proceedings.

The contempt case arose from an incident in August 2021, when Pande entered the courtroom without a lawyer’s robe and with his shirt unbuttoned. When the judges asked him to leave, he allegedly hurled abuse, reportedly calling them “goondas”. The court took suo motu cognizance of the act and launched proceedings.

The bench remarked, “The dignity of the court cannot be compromised. Despite repeated opportunities, the contemnor failed to engage with the judicial process, demonstrating complete disregard for the rule of law.”

In addition to the jail term, the court imposed a ₹2,000 fine, adding that Pande would face an extra month in jail if the fine isn’t paid. He has been granted four weeks to surrender before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Lucknow.

The court has also issued a show-cause notice to Pande, asking why he should not be barred from practicing law at both the Allahabad High Court and its Lucknow bench. His response is expected by May 1.

Notably, this isn’t Pande’s first brush with controversy. In 2017, he was banned from entering court premises for two years due to prior misconduct. The bench emphasized that the current punishment takes into account this pattern of indiscipline.

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