Court proceedings in Gurgaon and Faridabad came to a standstill on Friday as lawyers went on strike, protesting a confrontation that has sharply escalated tensions between the Bar and the Bench. The flashpoint was an April 29 hearing in Faridabad, where the District Bar Association alleged that a judicial magistrate (first class) passed an arbitrary order and used derogatory language towards advocates present in court.
Bar Association's Allegations
The District Bar Association claimed that even when bar office-bearers intervened to calm the situation, the judicial officer allegedly continued to use insulting language and behaved disrespectfully towards the lawyers. The association condemned the conduct, calling it a violation of the dignity of the legal fraternity.
Court's Version of Events
However, the court's version starkly differed. In an eight-page order, Deepak Yadav, civil judge (junior division), stated that the dispute began after the matter was adjourned because the trial record was requisitioned by the appellate court, which he described as a routine legal procedure. According to the order, lawyers Sunil Singh and Ramesh Nagar, unhappy with the outcome, “started shouting in courtroom and making false, frivolous and baseless allegations against the court.”
The judge recorded that the lawyers created a ruckus, disrupted proceedings, and issued threats. “Advocate Ramesh Nagar misbehaved with the undersigned and threatened to teach a lesson,” the order said. It added that the advocate’s conduct was “very offensive, intimidating and aggressive” and that he “was about to hit undersigned in fit of anger.”
Contempt Proceedings Initiated
The order further stated that the advocates had “not only disturbed the decorum of the court, but also created obstruction in administration of justice.” It accused them of wilful disobedience, scandalous and unruly behaviour, using foul language, and attempting to influence or intimidate the court. The court referred the matter to the sessions judge for contempt proceedings and ordered that a copy of the order be sent to the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana in Chandigarh for appropriate legal action against advocates Ramesh Nagar, Sunil Singh, and Rajesh Bainsla.
It added that other action, including registration of an FIR, would be considered. The order indicated possible charges linked to obstruction of judicial proceedings, intimidation of a public servant sitting in court, use of abusive language, criminal intimidation, and acts amounting to contempt of court.
Solidarity Strike by Gurgaon Bar
As the Faridabad Bar struck work on Friday, the Gurgaon Bar joined in solidarity. Chandra Kant Sharma, president of the District Bar Association in Gurgaon, said the Faridabad Bar had passed a resolution on May 6 over the incident. “In support of the said resolution and to stand in solidarity with members of the Faridabad Bar, the District Bar Association Gurgaon has resolved to observe ‘no work day’ as a mark of protest and support for the dignity of the legal fraternity,” he added.
The strike disrupted court proceedings in both cities, affecting litigants and delaying cases. The incident highlights the ongoing friction between the legal fraternity and the judiciary, raising concerns about the administration of justice.
