Overview of the Court Verdict

In a strong move to uphold judicial dignity, the Allahabad High Court‘s Lucknow bench sentenced lawyer Ashok Pandey to six months of simple imprisonment for criminal contempt. The ruling, delivered on April 19, 2025, stems from a 2021 contempt case in which Pandey used offensive language and made derogatory remarks during an open court session.

What Did the Lawyer Say?

Pandey reportedly said that “the judges are behaving like goondas,” a statement the court deemed highly inappropriate and disrespectful. His comments were seen as a direct attack on the integrity of the judiciary and disrupted the decorum of the courtroom.

Court’s Ruling and Penalties Imposed

The division bench of Justices Vivek Chaudhary and Brij Raj Singh directed Pandey to:

• Serve six months of simple imprisonment

• Pay a fine of ₹2,000

• Face an additional one-month jail term if the fine isn’t paid within a month

In addition, the court asked why Pandey should not be barred from practicing law for three years at the Allahabad High Court and its Lucknow bench.

Court’s Observation on Repeated Misconduct

The court stated that this was not an isolated incident. Pandey had reportedly shown similar misconduct in the past, indicating a pattern of behavior that undermines judicial authority. The contempt jurisdiction, as emphasized by the bench, is meant to protect public trust in the legal system—not individual judges.

Next Steps in the Case

Pandey has been instructed to:

• Submit his response to the court’s notice

• Appear in person at the next hearing scheduled for May 1, 2025

Action Taken by the Court Administration

To ensure transparency and enforcement, the court ordered that a copy of the ruling be forwarded to the Registrar General and senior registrars of both the Allahabad and Lucknow benches.

Conclusion

The Allahabad High Court has taken a firm stand on contempt of court, sending a strong message that disrespect towards the judiciary will not be tolerated. This case is a reminder of the importance of maintaining courtroom decorum and upholding the sanctity of legal institutions.