Allahabad HC recommends FIR, initiates contempt against lawyers for courtroom vandalism

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Published 2 November 2026

Case: In Re: Contempt against certain Advocates
Court: Allahabad High Court
Bench: Justice S.P. Kesarwani and Justice Manish Kumar
Citation: 2024 SCC OnLine All 1234
Decided: 15 May 2024
Statutes: Contempt of Courts Act, 1971
Source: Bar & Bench

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

In Re: Contempt against certain Advocates, the Allahabad High Court (2024 SCC OnLine All 1234, decided on 2024-05-15) recommended an FIR against lawyers who vandalised a courtroom and initiated contempt proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, for their disruptive conduct.

Ratio Decidendi · Legal Principle Established

The High Court held that acts of vandalism and disruption within court premises by advocates constitute criminal contempt, warranting both criminal proceedings and contempt action to uphold the dignity and authority of the court.

Practice & Procedural Impact for Advocates

Advocates must maintain decorum in court; disruptive behaviour can lead to criminal charges and contempt proceedings. Litigants should be aware that their counsel's misconduct can result in severe legal repercussions, including potential disbarment.

Key Legal Takeaways

1Vandalism by lawyers in court is criminal contempt.
2FIRs can be recommended against lawyers for such acts.
3Contempt proceedings will be initiated to maintain court dignity.

The Legal Issue The Allahabad High Court addressed a serious incident where certain advocates engaged in vandalism within a courtroom, causing disruption and damage. The court considered whether such actions constituted criminal contempt and what appropriate legal recourse should be taken against the lawyers involved.

Court's Reasoning The bench of Justice S.P. Kesarwani and Justice Manish Kumar found that the acts of vandalism and disruption by the advocates directly interfered with the administration of justice and lowered the authority of the court. The High Court observed that such conduct amounted to criminal contempt under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. To address the gravity of the situation, the court decided to initiate contempt proceedings against the identified lawyers and also recommended the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against them for their criminal acts.

What Follows The Allahabad High Court has initiated contempt proceedings against the lawyers involved in the vandalism. Additionally, the court has directed the appropriate authorities to register an FIR against these advocates. This action underscores the court's resolve to maintain its dignity and ensure the smooth functioning of the judicial process, sending a clear message that such misconduct will not be tolerated.