The Supreme Court examined concerns after a young lawyer in the Andhra Pradesh High Court was ordered into 24-hour judicial custody, prompting calls for better judicial training. It stressed that judges must act patiently and guide young lawyers.
Following an incident reported from the Andhra Pradesh High Court where a young lawyer was directed to be taken into judicial custody for 24 hours Senior Advocate and Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh told the Supreme Court today that judicial training is needed on such issues.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant took up the matter today.
The CJI noted that, according to a report from the Chief Justice of the High Court, the direction to place the young lawyer in custody was only an oral remark and did not form part of the final order.
Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), agreed with the CJI and clarified that the young lawyer did not ultimately end up in jail.
However, Singh stressed the need for judicial sensitization, he said.
“There should be some internal in-house training..the behavior should be that you encourage the younger members of the Bar,”
In response, the CJI said,
“We are sensitizing the judiciary at every level on how they should encourage younger members of the bar”.
While closing the matter, CJI Surya Kant relied on a report from the High Court which indicated that the exchange stemmed from a disagreement between the judge and the counsel regarding a precedent. The CJI explained in court that the situation escalated when the judge concluded that the counsel, out of frustration, struck his file on the podium.
Meanwhile, the Court also offered important observations stressing that judges should act with patience and provide supportive, encouraging guidance to young lawyers.
The counsel, however, stated that the file had slipped accidentally. The High Court Chief Justice reportedly observed that the video clip lacks context because it captures only a limited portion of the proceedings, and that the misunderstanding could have been resolved between the concerned parties before the clip was circulated on social media.
The report further stated that the Chief Justice had also interacted with the counsel and confirmed that the misunderstanding was resolved, with no complaint filed with the Bar Council.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court Bar Association also informed the High Court’s Chief Justice that the matter had been amicably settled.
The CJI also pointed to the positive aspect of the exchange, noting that the young counsel reportedly harboured no fear in carrying on his profession. The CJI further stated that the High Court Chief Justice has constituted a committee of five judges to help maintain cordial relations between the Bench and the Bar. The CJI added that no further action is warranted on their side.
CJI Kant additionally observed that judicial members at all levels should show compassion toward everyone particularly young advocates.
He said that while it is the solemn duty of senior members of the Bar to promote discipline, professional ethics, and continuous learning, the responsibility does not lie with the Bar alone; it also rests with the Bench, which should foster a sense of duty and integrity, so that every lawyer views themselves first and foremost as an officer of the court.
Concluding, the CJI remarked,
“Judiciary must remain mindful of the fact that strength and caliber of the bench at all levels is dependent upon continuous nurturing and development of bar. We make an unequivocal observation that media has an important role to play. Sensationalising decontextualized clips has the ability to hamper adminstration of justice. Thus, we expect media will play a proactive role with heightened sense of responsibility in collaboration with Bar & Bench”.
The SCBA had recently expressed deep concern and shock about a reported incident dated May 5, 2026, in the Andhra Pradesh High Court where a young advocate was allegedly ordered to be taken into custody for 24 hours during court proceedings.
The incident occurred before Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao and sparked widespread discussion within the legal community after video clips emerged online.
The SCBA stated that the footage showed the advocate repeatedly apologising and seeking pardon before the Court, which unsettled young members of the profession.
Reiterating core principles of the justice system, the SCBA said that the relationship between the Bench and the Bar is founded on mutual respect, dignity, patience, and institutional balance. It acknowledged that courts must maintain authority and decorum, while also stressing that judicial power should reflect restraint, proportionality, fairness, and compassion especially when dealing with young lawyers who are still early in their practice.
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CJI Surya Kant also requested a report from the Andhra Pradesh High Court administration. The controversy, as described, relates to a hearing held on May 4.
During the proceedings, Justice Rao reportedly criticised the advocate appearing for the petitioner, questioning his conduct and professional standing. A video of the exchange later circulated widely shows the advocate apologising and seeking leniency, stating that he was unwell and begging for grace.
Despite the apology, the judge reportedly directed police personnel to take him into custody for 24 hours.
A video clip involving the same incident went viral on social media last week, sparking widespread outrage particularly among younger members of the bar. The Supreme Court subsequently took note of the matter.
Case Title: SCBA vs. High Court of Andhra Pradesh