Lawyers' 'Unruly Behaviour' During Awadh Bar Association Election: Allahabad High Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance

The Bench of Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi and Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh has called upon Senior Registrar to submit his report with respect to security and unlawful activities, which had taken place inside the premises of the High Court during the election.

The Court observed thus:

"We are very pained to know that election of Awadh Bar Association scheduled to be held on 14.08.2021 in the premises of High Court, was cancelled due to unruly, indecent and undemocratic behaviour and breach of protocol by some of the lawyers, who also indulged in unlawful activities."

The Court was informed that the candidates, along with their supporters, had entered into the voting arena on August 14 and had indulged in tearing ballot papers and in pushing female lawyers and misbehaving with them.

It was also told to the Court that even one lawyer was seriously injured in the melee and his hand got fractured in the incident and one lawyer suffered heart attack.

Noting thus, the Court remarked thus:

"It is really shocking to hear such incidence happening in the premises of the High Court during its Bar election."

In view of this, the Court took cognizance of the unruly behaviour of the lawyers during the election process and, as such, called upon Returning Officer, Mr. V.K. Shahi to submit his report in this regard.

In the report, he has been asked to submit video clipping(s) and photograph(s) as well as evidence and material collected which led to cancellation of the election.

Apart from this, the Court also heard Dr. Ashok Nigam, Chairman Elders' Committee, who gave certain suggestions to the Court for the elections to be held in future and thus, he was requested to give his suggestion(s) in writing by tomorrow.

The Court has also asked other members of the Bar Association to give their suggestions in writing to the Chairman, Elders' Committee, if any.

The Court has directed to put up this case day after tomorrow i.e. 18.08.2021 at 2.15 p.m.