The Bombay Bar Association has issued a statement strongly disapproving of an incident in the Andhra Pradesh High Court where a sitting judge directed that a junior advocate be taken into police custody during court proceedings. Although the order was later withdrawn, the Association said the incident was unacceptable.

The Association said such conduct  harms the important relationship of fairness, civility and mutual respect between judges and lawyers, especially when young advocates feel intimidated or humiliated. According to the Association, this ultimately affects the justice delivery system.

It also said that members have informed the Association about other similar incidents in open court involving judges and junior lawyers, which were also seen as intimidating and humiliating.

Supporting the stand of  bar associations across the country, the Bombay Bar Association said that no post  or authority can justify behaviour that harms  the professional dignity of advocates or the atmosphere of respect and fairness in courtrooms.

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