Read Time: 03 minutes

Synopsis

The Allahabad High Court today expressed strong concern over the supporters of candidates contesting the upcoming elections of the High Court Bar Association shouting slogans in the court corridors.

The bench of Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Kshitij Shailendra noted that when it was hearing a matter at 12:50 pm, the slogans shouting was at such a high pitch that it obstructed the court proceedings and did not allow the court to hear the case due to excessive noise on both sides of the courtroom.

Court highlighted that in view of the elections of the Bar Association scheduled to take place on April 3, 2024, the Model Code of Conduct had been issued by the Returning Officers, which prohibited such activities.

Furthermore, the bench firmly stated that any form of slogan shouting aimed at interfering with the administration of justice cannot be tolerated under any circumstance.

Even otherwise, such slogan shouting, which intends to interfere with the administration of justice, cannot be countenanced, the bench said.

Consequently, the court took a serious view and sought the presence of the Returning Officers after the midday recess. Additionally, it suggested that a representative from the Elders' Committee also attend the proceedings.

In addition, the court directed the Registrar (Protocol) to preserve CCTV footage of today's incident to be produced before it. 

"The Registry shall identify the persons who were involved in slogans shouting and creating ruckus in the corridors of this Court, disturbing the functioning," the court ordered, scheduling the matter for further discussion after the midday recess.

The latest order is yet to come out. 

Case Title:  M/S Hotel Pride Inn v. Purvanchal Vidhut Vitrana Nigam Ltd And Another