The Supreme Court Today (Feb 3) took strict action after Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia was mistreated in Gautam Budh Nagar District Court. During the hearing, the Uttar Pradesh government revealed that Rs 82 crores have been allocated for installing CCTV cameras in district courts to improve security and transparency. The court also criticized regular lawyer strikes, improper courtroom attire, and discrimination against advocates from other regions. A fresh notice was issued to the Bar Association, and officials were warned of serious consequences if they failed to respond. The Supreme Court Bar Association has strongly condemned the incident, calling for accountability.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court is looking into a serious matter where Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia was mistreated in Gautam Budh Nagar District Court. During the hearing, the Uttar Pradesh government informed the court that Rs 82 crores had been set aside to install CCTV cameras in district courts.
This move aims to improve security and bring more transparency in court proceedings.
A bench consisting of Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran took up the matter. They were deeply concerned about how legal professionals behave and the condition of district courts.
“Rs. 82 crores had been allocated for the installation of CCTVs in district courts, in an effort to enhance security and transparency.”
Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, who appeared before the court, pointed out bigger problems in the legal system rather than just focusing on this single incident.
He raised key issues:
- “Regular strikes by lawyers are disrupting judicial proceedings, with advocates being forced to abstain from court appearances.”
- In Gautam Budh Nagar, some lawyers from outside the district are treated unfairly. They are seen as “outsiders” when they come to argue cases.
- Lawyers are not dressing properly for court. Many do not wear the required attire, including the mandatory advocate’s band.
- “Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the Bar Association has not filed a response to the incidents mentioned.”
- One of the accused even misbehaved with a female lawyer, but no action was taken. This is despite the fact that the Bar Association is responsible for ensuring discipline among lawyers.
The Supreme Court took this matter seriously and gave strict instructions. A fresh notice was sent to the President and Secretary of the Bar Association. The Court warned them that if they do not appear before the court, the matter would be taken very seriously.
On April 1, 2024, the Court had already criticized the fact that CCTV cameras in district courts were not working. It had asked the State Government for an explanation. The Court also made it clear that no lawyer has the right to stop another lawyer from appearing in court, even if there is a strike. The District Judge submitted a report explaining why CCTV footage of the incident was unavailable.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had taken note of how Gaurav Bhatia was treated in Gautam Budh Nagar District Court. It had sent a notice to the President and Secretary of the Janpad Diwani Evam Faujdari Bar Association.
Senior Advocate Vikas Singh brought this issue to the attention of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. The Chief Justice then directed the court to register a suo motu (on its own) petition on this matter.
Singh informed the Supreme Court that some lawyers had “misbehaved and snatched the collar band of Bhatia.”
A woman lawyer also appeared before the court and stated that she too was “manhandled in a different court while appearing in a matter.”
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The Supreme Court immediately ordered the District Judge of Gautam Budh Nagar to ensure that the CCTV footage of the incident is preserved until further orders.
The Court also asked for a detailed report on what had happened.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) strongly condemned the actions of the lawyer who had mistreated Gaurav Bhatia in Gautam Budh Nagar District Court.
This case highlights the urgent need for discipline and proper behavior among lawyers in district courts. The Supreme Court’s intervention aims to ensure that courts remain a place of justice, where legal professionals follow rules and treat each other with respect.
CASE TITLE:
In Re: Assault On Two Members Of The Supreme Court Bar Association At District Court Complex, Gautam Budh Nagar [SMW(C) No. 3/2024].
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