The HCBA has alleged that certain police officers in Prayagraj have used excessive force against lawyers.
Allahabad: The High Court Bar Association, Allahabad (HCBA), has submitted a supplementary affidavit along with video proof in the Allahabad High Court, alleging that the police in Prayagraj have mistreated and attacked lawyers.
The case has been filed as Criminal Writ Public Interest Litigation (No. 3 of 2025) and is being heard by a Division Bench of Justice Rajiv Gupta and Justice Mohd. Azhar Husain Idrisi.
The HCBA has alleged that certain police officers in Prayagraj have used excessive force against lawyers.
Senior Advocate Anil Tiwari, representing the HCBA, has stated that practicing advocates have been “subjected to unlawful physical assault and harassment by the police.” To support these claims, the HCBA has submitted a pen-drive containing video evidence.
Earlier, on February 6, 2025, the court directed the State of Uttar Pradesh to respond. In compliance, several senior officials have filed personal affidavits:
- Divisional Commissioner, Prayagraj
- Mela Adhikari, Prayagraj
- Police Commissioner, Prayagraj
- District Magistrate, Prayagraj
- Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Prayagraj
The court has officially recorded these affidavits along with the HCBA’s supplementary submissions.
Key Issues
- Police Misconduct Allegations – The HCBA claims that lawyers have faced physical and mental harassment by the police.
- Right to Practice Without Fear – The case raises important legal concerns about whether lawyers can perform their duties freely and without intimidation.
- Police Accountability – The court will examine if the police officers involved have violated legal and constitutional rights, particularly those protecting lawyers.
Court’s Observations
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Anil Tiwari argued that “practicing advocates have been subjected to personal atrocities by certain police officials.”
He requested time to submit personal affidavits from the victims detailing their experiences. The court granted two days for these submissions.
The State’s counsel, Additional Advocate General Manish Goyal, also sought time to respond to the second supplementary affidavit submitted by the HCBA. The court granted his request as well.
The court directed that the pen-drive containing video evidence be “placed under the safe custody of the Registrar General of the Allahabad High Court,” ensuring its security and availability for review in the next hearing.
The case has been scheduled for a fresh hearing on February 18, 2025. The court is expected to examine the video evidence and additional affidavits before deciding on further actions.
- Petitioner: High Court Bar Association, Allahabad
- Counsel for Petitioner: Senior Advocate Anil Tiwari, assisted by HCBA Secretary Vikrant Pandey
- Respondent: State of Uttar Pradesh
- State’s Legal Representatives:
- Additional Advocate General Manish Goyal
- Government Advocate A.K. Sand
- Additional Government Advocate Rupak Chaube
