LI Network
Published on: November 12, 2023 at 10:35 IST
The Allahabad High Court has called upon the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh to establish guidelines discouraging advocates from wearing uniforms outside court premises. This directive follows instances where lawyers, in their official attire, were found involved in assisting land mafias in seizing citizens’ properties.
Justice Sangeeta Chandra and Justice Narendra Kumar Johari issued the directive during the hearing of a criminal writ petition filed by local lawyer Subhanshu Singh. Singh alleged that he was assaulted by fellow lawyers in the Civil Court premises in Lucknow in September of this year and sought an independent investigation into the matter.
Concerns Raised:
The bench expressed concern over advocates using their uniforms to assist in unlawful activities, particularly in property disputes. The court emphasized that the Bar Council should take preventive measures to curb such incidents.
Court Proceedings:
After hearing Singh’s plea, the court instructed the counsel representing the state respondents to inform the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police about the filed writ petition and seek instructions on actions taken regarding the petitioner’s FIR.
Additionally, the court directed the Senior Registrar of the High Court to send a copy of the writ petition to the District Judge, Lucknow, seeking comments on the steps taken to preserve CCTV footage related to the alleged incident.
Furthermore, the advocate representing the State Bar Council was directed to inform the council about cases filed before the High Court, alleging advocates in uniform intervening in private property disputes and aiding land mafias.
The court has set the matter for further hearing on November 28, 2023, to assess the progress made and responses received from the concerned authorities.
Case Title: Subhansu Singh vs. State Of U.P. Thru. Prin. Secy. Home Civil Sectt. Lko. And Others
