In a serious courtroom confrontation raising concerns over decorum and judicial authority, the Allahabad High Court stepped in during a bail hearing to address allegations of investigative lapses and, more critically, an advocate’s explosive conduct in open court. The case put the spotlight on whether aggressive courtroom behaviour can cross the line into criminal contempt, threatening the administration of justice itself.
The controversy began during the hearing of a bail application where counsel for the accused argued that his client had been falsely implicated and highlighted a glaring omission in the investigation, the injured victim’s statement had not been recorded despite allegations of a firearm injury to the chest. The State, through the Additional Government Advocate, conceded this lapse.
While the Court sought to address the deficiency by directing the prosecution to file a counter affidavit along with medical records and statements, the proceedings took an abrupt turn when the applicant’s counsel reacted sharply to the order.
According to the Court’s record, the advocate raised his voice and launched into a personal attack on the presiding judge, questioning the Court’s authority and alleging governmental pressure. The order notes that such remarks were “highly objectionable, scandalous and derogatory,” and that the conduct stalled proceedings for nearly ten minutes. Holding that the behaviour prima facie amounted to criminal contempt under Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, the Court observed that it tended to “lower the dignity of the Court and interfere with the administration of justice.”
Consequently, the Bench directed that a separate reference be made for initiation of contempt proceedings and ordered the Registry to place the matter before the Chief Justice for appropriate action, while releasing the bail case to be listed before another Bench.
Case Title: Kunal Vs. State of U.P.
Case No.: Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. - 5069 of 2026
Coram: Justice Santosh Rai
Advocate for Petitioner: Adv. Ashutosh Kumar Mishra, Shireesh Kumar Mishra
Advocate for Respondent: G.A.
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