The Supreme Court strongly criticised lawyers for vandalism and violence, calling it a “sorry state of affairs” for the legal profession. The Court granted bail to toll employees and urged strict action by the Bar Council.
The Supreme Court has strongly criticised a group of lawyers for engaging in violent and unlawful acts, stating that such behaviour is damaging the dignity of the legal profession. The Court observed that a profession once known for its nobility is now being negatively affected by incidents of “hooliganism”.
The case arose from an incident that took place on January 14, 2026, at a toll plaza on the Lucknow–Sultanpur highway in Uttar Pradesh. According to reports, a lawyer named Ratnesh Shukla allegedly refused to pay the toll fee, which led to a heated argument with the toll plaza staff. The situation quickly escalated into a physical altercation, during which the toll employees allegedly assaulted the lawyer.
Following the incident, Shukla filed a police complaint, and several toll plaza employees were arrested. However, the matter took a serious turn when the local bar association passed a resolution stating that no lawyer should represent the arrested toll employees. This decision raised serious concerns about the right to legal representation, which is a fundamental aspect of the justice system.
Despite the resolution, one lawyer chose to represent the accused toll employees. In response, a group of lawyers allegedly vandalised his office and even set his furniture on fire. This act of intimidation and violence shocked the legal community and brought the matter before the Supreme Court.
A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta expressed deep concern over the incident. The Court called the situation extremely unfortunate and highlighted how such actions are undermining the credibility of the legal profession.
“The facts noted herein above reveal a very sorry state of affairs. The legal profession, which was once regarded as a noble profession, has clearly been tainted and tarnished by the acts of hooliganism perpetrated pursuant to the fracas which took place at the toll plaza on 14th January, 2026.”
The Court acknowledged that lawyers may feel a sense of unity and solidarity with their colleagues. However, it made it clear that such feelings cannot justify violence or illegal actions.
“We can understand the sentiment of fraternity amongst the lawyers, but that, by no means, can justify the acts of violence and lawlessness which ensued when a brave lawyer came forward to defend the accused. These deplorable acts of hooliganism deserve to be deprecated. The disciplinary body, i.e., the Bar Council of India is expected to take appropriate steps in this regard,”
The Supreme Court also appreciated the courage shown by the lawyer who chose to represent the accused despite facing backlash from fellow lawyers. It emphasised that every accused person has the right to legal representation, and no group can interfere with this fundamental principle.
In its order dated March 17, the Court granted bail to the toll plaza employees who were accused in the assault case. To ensure fairness and safety, the Court transferred the case to Delhi and directed the Uttar Pradesh police to provide protection to the accused while they are out on bail.
The Court also expressed strong disapproval of the conduct of the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh. It noted that the Bar Council had written to the Chief Minister seeking the application of the National Security Act (NSA) against the toll plaza employees, even though the matter arose from what appeared to be a minor scuffle.
“What is most unfortunate is that even the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh joined the fray and addressed a letter to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh requesting invocation of the provisions of the National Security Act against the petitioners (toll plaza employees who allegedly attacked the advocate) even though the incident pertained to a trivial scuffle,”
The Supreme Court’s observations underline the importance of maintaining discipline and ethical standards within the legal profession. It also sends a clear message that acts of violence, intimidation, or misuse of authority will not be tolerated, especially by those who are expected to uphold the law.
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