Lawyer Ashok Pandey Sentenced for Contempt by Allahabad High Court's Lucknow Bench:

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Thursday sentenced local advocate Ashok Pandey to six months of imprisonment for contempt of court. The incident, which dates back to August 18, 2021, involved Pandey appearing before the bench without a lawyer’s gown and with his shirt unbuttoned, in violation of courtroom decorum.

In addition to the prison term, the bench also imposed a fine of ₹2,000. If the fine is not paid within one month, Pandey will serve an additional month in jail.

Background: Disrespect and Disruption in Court

The contempt proceedings were initiated suo motu after Pandey, during a court appearance, was not only dressed inappropriately but also allegedly misbehaved with the judges. When asked to leave the courtroom, Pandey reportedly called the judges "goondas." The court noted that despite being granted multiple opportunities, Pandey failed to respond to the contempt allegations.

Court's Verdict: Exemplary Punishment Warranted

Delivering the verdict, Justices Vivek Chaudhary and B.R. Singh stressed that Pandey’s actions were a serious breach of judicial dignity. They noted his non-cooperation with the legal process and prior record of misconduct, including a two-year ban from the High Court premises in 2017.

Given the severity of the current offense and his repeated disregard for legal protocol, the bench ruled that an exemplary punishment was necessary.

Further Actions: Ban on Legal Practice Under Consideration

The court has granted Pandey four weeks to surrender before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Lucknow. In parallel, a show cause notice was issued to Pandey, asking why he should not be permanently barred from practicing law in the Allahabad High Court and its Lucknow bench. He is required to respond by May 1.