Row erupts after AP High Court judge orders custody of advocate during hearing

A controversy has erupted after a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court directed that an advocate be taken into custody during court proceedings, with a video of the incident circulating widely on social media.

The episode occurred on May 4 during the hearing of a writ petition challenging the issuance of a Look Out Circular (LOC) and the impounding of a passport. The matter was being heard by Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao.

In the video, the judge is seen reprimanding the counsel for his conduct in court, questioning his experience and directing court officials to call the police. The advocate was seen apologising with folded hands during the exchange.

As per reports, the counsel had relied on a ruling of the Telangana High Court in a 2023 case, which held that Look Out Circulars cannot be continued indefinitely without valid reasons. The bench, however, asked the advocate to produce a relevant judgement of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in a similar matter.

It remains unclear what transpired subsequently, but the court directed the Registrar (Judicial) to hand over the advocate to police custody for 24 hours, citing “indolent behaviour” in the courtroom. The order was later reportedly recalled following intervention by members of the Bar.

The incident has reportedly drawn a strong reaction from the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), which expressed “deep concern and shock” over the development.

In a resolution, the SCBA noted that the advocate had “repeatedly expressed regret and sought pardon before the Court”, adding that the episode had caused serious concern among members of the legal fraternity and had disappointed younger lawyers.

The petitioner in the case has alleged that the court’s action was “arbitrary” and “high-handed”, claiming it violated fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution. The petition sought quashing of the LOC and release of the passport.