Lawyers protested against Justice Ajay Bhanot before a group allegedly vandalised his courtroom. The confrontation followed allegations that the judge had humiliated advocates during earlier proceedings.Stock photo used for illustrationPrayagraj,Oct 28, 2026 16:08 ISTLawyers at the Allahabad High Court allegedly vandalised the courtroom of Justice Ajay Bhanot on Wednesday amid a controversy over his conduct during court proceedings, news agency Press Trust of India reported.The incident came a day after the newly elected office-bearers of the High Court Bar Association sought action over an alleged incident involving Justice Bhanot during proceedings on October 27.When Justice Bhanot entered his courtroom in Prayagraj, lawyers opposed him and some raised slogans.
A group of lawyers later allegedly vandalised tables and chairs in the courtroom, according to PTI.In a letter sent through the Registrar General to Chief Justice Arun Bhansali, the association alleged that Justice Bhanot had humiliated an advocate and mocked senior advocate V P Srivastava. According to the letter, a Superintendent of Police was sitting in the row behind the additional government advocate when another advocate asked the officer to move to the next row, saying the seat was not meant for him.
The additional government advocate allegedly rebuked the advocate and said he would complain to the judge.The association claimed that after entering the courtroom, Justice Bhanot pointed a finger at the advocate and harshly ordered that he be sent to jail. When the advocate sought forgiveness, the judge allegedly directed him to apologise to the police officer, the letter said.
The association also alleged that Justice Bhanot mocked senior advocate Srivastava and said the incident had adversely affected the dignity of the legal fraternity. Describing the alleged conduct as contemptuous, it urged the Chief Justice to take serious note of the matter and initiate appropriate action.The courtroom vandalism followed the association's complaint seeking action over Justice Bhanot's alleged treatment of the advocates during the October 27 proceedings.- Ends