AP High Court Judge Orders 24-Hour Police Custody Of Junior Advocate, Later Recalls Direction

In a viral video on social media, a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court was seen "calling the Police" to take custody of an Advocate who behaved "indolently".

While the counsel was seen "begging for grace" with folded hands, Justice T Rajasekhar Rao orally rebuked the counsel stating,

"Have I dismisses your writ petition? Only I've requested you to bring the order copy...Are you thinking [you] are a great Senior Advocate? Call the police...Not having at least 10 years standing and you will throw the bundle?"

The episode ensued on Monday (May 04) during the hearing of a writ petition challenging the issuance of Look Out Circular against Petitioner and impounding of Passport.

The counsel had relied on the orders of the Telangana High Court in Yerramilli Srinivas Vs. State of Telangana (2023) where it was emphasized that LOCs can't be continued indefinitely without valid reasons.

The Court however suggested the counsel that the Andhra Pradesh High Court has pronounced a judgment in similar case and suggested him to produce the said order.

It is unclear what the counsel said in response, which irked the Judge to direct the Registrar (Judicial) to hand him to police custody immediately. "Counsel for the petitioner has behaved indolently and same has been witnessed by counsel...Police is directed to take the counsel to the custody for a period of 24 hours," it ordered.

Reportedly, the order was later recalled following bar intervention.

The Petitioner alleged such "arbitrary", "high handed" action violated fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

Petitioner sought setting aside of the LOC and release of the passport.

Case : Kasina Surya Prakash Reddy v. Union of India (WP 7231/2026)