The incident unfolded on Monday during proceedings before Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao. A video of the hearing, which circulated widely on social media, drew sharp reactions from senior members of the Bar, raising concerns over judicial conduct and courtroom decorum.
According to the video, the court had orally directed that the advocate be taken into custody for a period of 24 hours. However, the order was not executed after members of the High Court Bar Association intervened, urging restraint and de-escalation. The matter was subsequently adjourned.
The episode occurred during the hearing of a petition challenging the issuance of a look out circular and the impounding of a passport. During proceedings, the court indicated its inclination to adjourn the case in order to obtain a copy of a prior order in a similar matter.
Tensions escalated when Justice Rao expressed displeasure with the conduct of the petitioner’s counsel. Addressing the lawyer, the judge remarked, “Have I decided to dismiss your writ petition?... Are you thinking you are a great senior advocate?... you don’t even have 10 years’ standing… Call the police. You go and file appeal.” The advocate, visibly distressed, apologised repeatedly with folded hands and sought leniency, stating, “Sorry... I am begging for your grace, your lordships.”
Despite the apology, the court recorded in its order that the counsel had behaved “indolently” and directed the police to take him into custody for 24 hours. The court also asked other advocates present in the courtroom to identify themselves as witnesses to the conduct in question. Additionally, the lawyer was instructed to appear before the judicial registrar, with the judge remarking that the advocate should next stage a protest along with the Bar against the order.
However, the directive did not translate into actual custody. Individuals familiar with the matter confirmed that intervention by the Bar led to a de-escalation, preventing enforcement of the order.
The controversy has since intensified, with prominent legal figures voicing concern. Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde criticised the incident on social media, stating that such behaviour was unacceptable and calling on the Bar to respond. Senior advocate Karuna Nundy questioned the legal basis of the direction, asking whether there were missing facts that could justify the possibility of arrest. Meanwhile, Supreme Court lawyer and political spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill asserted that judicial office does not grant authority to mistreat or humiliate lawyers, emphasising that dignity must be upheld both in conduct and in judicial decisions.
The incident has raised serious questions about judicial accountability, courtroom discipline, and the balance of authority between the Bench and the Bar, prompting scrutiny at the highest level of the judiciary.
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