Legal proceedings at the Andhra Pradesh High Court (HC) took a dramatic turn on Monday after a video of a judge rebuking a lawyer went viral on social media. While the justice kept flaying the lawyer, he was seen pleading for mercy, despite which the former ordered the police that he be taken into custody for 24 hours. However, the High Court Bar Association intervened later, resulting in the withdrawal of the custody order. Meanwhile, the viral clip has sparked a nationwide debate on judicial conduct.

Incident unfolds during hearing of litigant’s passport case

As per reports, the incident occurred at the HC on Monday before Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao during the hearing of a petition challenging a Look-out Circular (LoC) and the impounding of a litigant’s passport. In the thick of the hearing, the situation quickly escalated during a tense exchange between the bench and the counsel representing the petitioner. 

“Do you think you are a great advocate”?: Judge raises questions 

As the court considered adjourning the case to retrieve a previous order in a similar case, the judge took exception to the lawyer’s conduct. In the clip which is making rounds online, Justice Ra was heard questioning the advocate sharply, saying, “Have I decided to dismiss your petition? Are you thinking you are a great senior advocate?” 

Responding to the scolding, the visibly distressed lawyer, claiming he was in pain, folded his hands and said, “I am begging for your grace, Your Lordship.” 

Justice orders cops to take advocate into custody

More surprising was the Justice’s order, who directed the police to take the advocate into custody for 24 hours, citing ‘indolent behaviour.’ Moreover, he asked other lawyers present to identify themselves as witnesses to the counsel’s conduct. 

Despite the advocate’s repeated pleas for leniency, the court stood firm, and the judge instructed the lawyer not to speak further. He also suggested that he could seek redress through appropriate channels if aggrieved. 

However, the High Court Bar Association intervened, and the custody order was withdrawn. Since then, the matter has been adjourned and will likely be taken up after the summer vacation. 

BCI writes to Chief Justice of India

The heated incident has also drawn flak from the Bar Council of India (BCI), which has written to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, seeking his immediate intervention. 

BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra termed the incident ‘deeply disturbing,’ raising concerns about judicial temperament and proportionality. The Council further warned that such incidents could have a chilling effect on young members of the Bar and can also disrupt the delicate balance of respect between the judiciary and legal practitioners.