The Andhra Pradesh High Court  recently  gave  a strong  warning to an advocate, saying  that he could be sent  to police custody for what it described as “indolent” conduct during proceedings. 

The matter was heard by Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao. During the hearing, the judge cautioned the advocate about his behaviour and said that such conduct could lead to police custody. A video of the hearing has since gone viral on social media and WhatsApp.

Facts : 

On Monday, the High Court was hearing a writ petition challenging a Look Out Circular and the impounding of a passport. During the proceedings, Justice Rao indicated that he wanted to adjourn the matter so he could obtain a copy of an earlier ruling in a similar case.

At that point, the petitioner’s advocate was found to be acting indolently, which drew  strong remarks from the Court.

Justice Rao said:
“Have I decided to dismiss your writ petition? Generally what the judges will do, they will follow their own orders. Are you thinking [you] are a great Senior Advocate? Call the police. You go and file appeal,”

The judge questioned the conduct of the counsel, directed that other lawyers present in court be recorded as witnesses, and ordered that the advocate be taken into police custody for twenty-four hours.

He further observed:
“Counsel for the petitioner has behaved indolently and same has been witnessed by counsel…,”

The advocate then pleaded for leniency, saying he was in pain and asking for pardon.

Later, after intervention by the High Court Bar Association, the order sending the advocate to police custody was withdrawn.

The case has now been adjourned and will be listed again after the summer vacation.