The Allahabad High Court has ordered an urgent probe into the alleged assault of three Delhi-based lawyers and their client at the Lucknow district court on Tuesday. The court demanded detailed reports from local officials by Wednesday to address concerns regarding the obstruction of judicial proceedings. This incident follows previous reports of similar disruptions at the same court complex.
Detailed Coverage
The Allahabad High Court has taken a serious view of a violent incident reported at the Lucknow district court premises on Tuesday. Three lawyers from Delhi and their client were allegedly attacked while attempting to appear for a civil property dispute case. The court has directed both the Lucknow district judge and the police commissioner to submit comprehensive reports by Wednesday morning to clarify the events.
Court Directives and Official Response
A special bench, formed under the directive of the Chief Justice, observed that such incidents pose a direct threat to the administration of justice. During the hearing, the bench reviewed video footage which reportedly showed the litigant sustaining injuries. In response, Lucknow Police Commissioner Amarendra Kumar Sengar stated that the injured individual is undergoing medical examination and that cross-complaints have been registered by the parties involved.
The High Court has mandated that the district judge provide the relevant CCTV footage and a formal report on the matter. Additionally, the police commissioner must present a status update regarding the actions taken against the individuals involved and provide details on the criminal history of those accused of the assault. The court has also ordered that the Deputy Commissioner of Police, the station house officer of Wazirganj, and the injured litigant be present at the upcoming hearing.
Concerns Over Judicial Access
The lawyers involved in the incident, Abhipsa Mohanty, Komal Agrawal, and Ashutosh Srivastava, filed an interim application alleging that they were prevented from representing their client, Mohammad Shakir. They claimed that their client was beaten inside the court premises and that they were threatened for taking on a case against another lawyer. The advocates reported that they had to seek protection in a judge's chamber before they could safely exit the court grounds.
This incident has brought renewed attention to the security and functioning of the Lucknow district court. The petition noted a previous incident from April 30 involving the same property dispute, raising questions about the effectiveness of police intervention in such conflicts. The High Court has previously established a special monitoring cell to address recurring complaints of judicial proceedings being obstructed at this court. To ensure the safety of those involved, the court has ordered adequate police protection for the Delhi-based advocates as the investigation continues.