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Taking suo motu cognizance of the unruly behavior of the lawyers during the election of Awadh Bar Association scheduled on August 14, Allahabad high Court today called upon Senior Registrar to submit his report with respect to security and unlawful activities, which had taken place inside the premises of the High Court during the election.

The Court has also directed for the submission of videos, photographs of the incident to be submitted. Due to this unfortunate incident, the Bar election process has been canceled.

The Division Bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi said,

“We take cognizance of this unruly behaviour of the lawyers during election process and, as such, call upon Returning Officer, Mr. V.K. Shahi to submit his report in this regard. In the report, he may submit video clipping(s) and photograph(s) as well as evidence and material collected which led to cancellation of the election on 14th August, 2021.”

The bench noted that it was informed to the court that the candidates along with their supporters, entered into voting arena and indulged in tearing ballot papers and in pushing female lawyers and misbehaving with them.

“Even one lawyer was seriously injured in the melee and his hand got fractured in the incident. One lawyer suffered heart attack. It is really shocking to hear such incidence happening in the premises of the High Court during its Bar election,” the court stated.

Dr. Ashok Nigam, Chairman Elders’ Committee, appeared before the Court. He has given certain suggestions for the elections to be held in future.

Court has asked Mr. Nigam to submit his suggestions in writing by tomorrow.

Court has also asked other members of the Bar Association to give their suggestions, if any, in writing to the Chairman, Elders’ Committee who may consider it and, if feels proper, may incorporate it in his suggestions.

Court has further directed the Senior Registrar to allow the Returning Officer to take relevant materials from the room which has been sealed and given under custody of CRPF. The report by the Returning officer is directed to be submitted by tomorrow.

Also, directing the registry to register the suo moto petition as Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the bench has listed the matter to be next heard on August 18, 2021.

(Case Title: In Re: Unruly behaviour and breach of protocol during Awadh Bar Association Elections' 2021)