Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court lawyers’ protest has raised fresh concerns after a group of protesting advocates allegedly blocked courtroom entrances and prevented court staff from entering through the main gate.
On November 4, 2026, the Allahabad High Court strongly objected to the disruption and said judicial proceedings cannot remain paralysed because lawyers are staying away from their duties.
The incident has increased tensions between the Bar and the Bench at the Allahabad High Court, following allegations involving Justice Ajay Bhanot.
Allahabad Lawyers Protest: High Court Objects To Blocked Courtroom Entry
A Division Bench of Justice Ajay Bhanot and Justice Divesh Chandra Samant took serious note of the situation.
According to the Court’s observations, several lawyers had gathered outside the courtroom and were creating noise that disturbed judicial proceedings.
The Bench also recorded that the protesting lawyers had blocked the main entrance, preventing court staff from entering the courtroom.
Due to this situation, the Court had to ask its staff to use the entrance normally meant for judges.
The Bench made it clear that court proceedings cannot be stopped because lawyers deliberately remain absent from their duties.
Allahabad Lawyers Protest: Court Directs Government Advocate To Explain Absence
The observations were made while the Bench was hearing a criminal writ petition challenging an FIR.
The case involved allegations of sexual relations on a false promise of marriage, criminal intimidation and rioting. However, when the matter was called, no lawyer appeared for the petitioners, even though their names were mentioned in the cause list.
The Assistant Government Advocates were also absent from the courtroom. Taking note of their absence, the Bench directed the Government Advocate to submit a report explaining why the government lawyers were not present.
Supreme Court Case Hearing Also Receives Relief
During the hearing, the Court also examined the allegations mentioned in the FIR.
According to the FIR, the first petitioner and the complainant were in a consensual relationship and had physical relations. The Court also noticed a property dispute between the parties. Considering the facts, the Bench ordered a temporary stay on the petitioners’ arrest.
The protection will continue until the next date of listing or the filing of the police report under Section 173 of the CrPC or Section 193 of the BNSS, whichever happens earlier.
How Did The Allahabad Lawyers Protest Begin
The ongoing tension reportedly started after an incident on October 27, 2026, in Court No. 49, where Justice Ajay Bhanot was presiding.
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association wrote to Chief Justice Arun Bhansali on October 28, raising allegations about the treatment of an advocate during courtroom proceedings.
According to the Bar Association’s allegations, an advocate had objected to a police officer occupying a particular seat in the courtroom.
The Association claimed that Justice Bhanot subsequently ordered the advocate to be sent to jail and forced him to apologise to the police officer.
It also alleged that the judge made insulting remarks about senior advocate V.P. Srivastava.
The Bar Association warned that its members could boycott Justice Bhanot’s court if appropriate action was not taken. These allegations were made by the Bar Association and should not be treated as established judicial findings.
Lawyers’ Protest Disrupts Other Court Proceedings
The protest also affected proceedings in the adjoining courtroom of Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal.
The judge expressed concern that litigants should not suffer because some lawyers have disagreements with a particular judge.
He observed that advocates cannot be allowed to raise slogans, shout or disturb proceedings in other courtrooms.
The judge also said that using threatening language against a court was completely unjustified.
Describing the incident as absolutely contemptuous, he directed the Registrar (Protocol) to obtain CCTV footage from cameras outside Court No. 66.
The purpose was to identify the lawyers allegedly involved and submit a report before the Court.
Allahabad High Court Considers Contempt Action
The situation became more serious after reports of violence and vandalism inside Justice Bhanot’s courtroom on October 28.
According to the proceedings, lawyers allegedly assaulted State law officers, court staff and security personnel and damaged courtroom property.
A Bench of Justice Ajay Bhanot and Justice Divesh Chandra Samant observed that these acts appeared to constitute criminal contempt at the preliminary stage.
The Court also requested the Chief Justice to consider directions for registering FIRs against the lawyers allegedly involved.
It further raised concerns about people who allegedly circulated false social media posts related to the incidents.
The matter highlights the importance of maintaining discipline, respect and uninterrupted functioning within court premises.
The developments also show that disagreements between lawyers and judges must be addressed through proper legal and institutional channels rather than by disrupting judicial proceedings.
Read also: Allahabad High Court Transfers 35 Judicial Officers: Satyendra Kumar Named Unnao District Judge
FAQs
The matter was heard by a Division Bench comprising Justice Ajay Bhanot and Justice Divesh Chandra Samant at the Allahabad High Court.
The Allahabad High Court objected because protesting lawyers allegedly blocked courtroom entrances, prevented court staff from entering and created noise that disturbed judicial proceedings.
The Court raised concerns about the disruption, sought CCTV footage to identify lawyers allegedly involved in the protest and considered possible contempt proceedings and FIRs in connection with the earlier courtroom violence.
