Court cites "serious misconduct" and past record in delivering exemplary punishment
Lucknow, April 11 — In a stern move underscoring the sanctity of courtroom decorum, the Allahabad High Court has sentenced local lawyer Ashok Pande to six months of imprisonment in connection with a 2021 contempt case. The court found him guilty of gross misconduct for appearing without a lawyer's robe and with his shirt unbuttoned during court proceedings.
A division bench consisting of Justices Vivek Chaudhary and BR Singh pronounced the judgment on Thursday, stating that “exemplary punishment is warranted” considering the gravity of the incident, Pande’s previous record, and his persistent refusal to engage with the court’s proceedings.
Fine Imposed, Additional Jail Time for Non-Payment
Along with the six-month sentence, the bench imposed a fine of ₹2,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional one-month jail term, the court ruled.
Pande has been directed to surrender before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Lucknow within four weeks.
Show Cause Notice Issued for Potential Ban from Legal Practice
In addition to the jail term, the bench issued a show cause notice to Ashok Pande, asking why he should not be permanently barred from practicing before the Allahabad High Court and its Lucknow bench. He has been given time until May 1 to respond.
Background: 2021 Courtroom Incident
The contempt proceedings were initiated suo motu following an incident on August 18, 2021, when Pande appeared in court in improper attire and allegedly used derogatory language, referring to the judges as “goondas” when challenged over his appearance and asked to leave.
Despite multiple opportunities to defend himself, Pande chose not to respond to the contempt charges.
Prior Disciplinary Actions
The court also took into account Pande's history of contemptuous behavior, including a two-year ban from the high court premises in 2017, further strengthening the rationale behind the stringent action taken this time.
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