The Supreme Court has condemned acts of violence and intimidation by members of the legal fraternity in Barabanki, calling the situation a “sorry state of affairs” that undermines the very foundations of justice.
The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, did not mince words in criticizing the conduct of the lawyers involved. It urged the Bar Council of India to take appropriate disciplinary action.
The case, Vishvjeet and Others vs State of Uttar Pradesh, arose from a January 14 incident at the Gotona Bara Toll Plaza on the Lucknow–Sultanpur Highway. The petitioners, employees of a private infrastructure company, were accused of assaulting an advocate during a dispute over toll payment. An FIR was subsequently registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
What began as a verbal altercation soon escalated into a broader controversy involving the local legal community. Members of the District Bar Association in Barabanki reportedly launched protests, demanding strict action against the toll workers. The situation intensified when a resolution was allegedly passed discouraging lawyers from representing the accused.
Despite this, advocate Manoj Shukla filed a bail application on behalf of the petitioners. In response, a group of lawyers allegedly vandalized his office and set furniture on fire, as reported in local media. The court described these acts as “deplorable hooliganism,” emphasizing that professional solidarity cannot justify lawlessness.
The petitioners approached the apex court under Article 32 of the Constitution, claiming they were denied legal representation due to an atmosphere of fear. They also argued that their arrest procedures violated due process, as grounds of arrest were not properly communicated.
Taking note of these concerns, the bench observed that the petitioners had been in custody for over two months despite the case not warranting denial of bail. The court ruled that this amounted to a violation of their fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21.
In its आदेश, the Supreme Court directed the immediate release of the petitioners on bail. To ensure a fair trial and access to legal representation, the court also ordered the transfer of the case from Barabanki to the Tis Hazari Courts in New Delhi.
Additionally, the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, has been tasked with ensuring the safety of the petitioners upon their release.
“The legal profession, once regarded as noble, has been tarnished by such acts,” the court noted, stressing the importance of upholding ethical standards and the rule of law.
Case Details
Case Title: Vishvjeet And Others Versus State of UP
Citation: JURISHOUR-413-SC-2026
Case No.: Writ Petition(Criminal) No(S). 109 Of 2026
Date: 17/03/2026
