Allahabad High Court lawyers allegedly vandalise courtroom amid judge conduct row

Lawyers protested and allegedly vandalised Justice Ajay Bhanot's courtroom at the Allahabad High Court. The unrest escalated a dispute over his alleged treatment of advocates during proceedings.Image used for representational purposes onlyPrayagraj,Oct 28, 2026 16:44 ISTLawyers at the Allahabad High Court allegedly vandalised the courtroom of Justice Ajay Bhanot on Wednesday amid a controversy over his alleged conduct during court proceedings, the Press Trust of India reported.The incident came a day after the newly elected office-bearers of the High Court Bar Association wrote to Chief Justice Arun Bhansali seeking action over an alleged incident involving Justice Bhanot on October 27.When Justice Bhanot entered his courtroom, lawyers opposed him and some raised slogans. A group of lawyers later allegedly vandalised tables and chairs in the courtroom.In its letter, sent through the Registrar General, the association alleged that the judge had humiliated an advocate and mocked senior advocate V P Srivastava. According to the letter, an officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police was sitting in the row behind the additional government advocate when an advocate asked him to move to the next row, saying the seat was not his.The additional government advocate allegedly rebuked the advocate and told him that he would complain to the judge. The association claimed that after entering the courtroom, Justice Bhanot pointed a finger at the advocate and ordered in harsh words that he be sent to jail. When the advocate sought forgiveness, the judge allegedly directed him to apologise to the police officer, the letter stated.The association also alleged that Justice Bhanot mocked Srivastava and claimed that the incident had adversely affected the dignity of the legal fraternity.Describing the alleged conduct as contemptuous, the association urged the Chief Justice to take serious note of the matter and initiate appropriate action. The dispute culminated in protests and alleged vandalism in Justice Bhanot's courtroom the following day.- Ends