Expressing concern over incidents of disruption of court proceedings and differences between the Bar and the Bench, the Allahabad High Court today advised young advocates to focus on their studies and preparation of cases rather than increasing their social media likes.

A Bench of Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal added that young advocates are the future of the High Court as they go on to become senior advocates as well as Judges of the HC.

The Court made these observations while hearing a bail application wherein it took note of allegations that certain advocates had forcibly prevented lawyers from entering the courtroom to argue their cases and had even taken Government Advocates out of the courtroom.

The Court observed that the applicant's counsel could not appear to press the bail application because certain advocates had forcibly stopped advocates who wanted to argue their cases. It also recorded that government advocates were forcibly taken out of the courtroom.

Justice Deshwal recorded in his order that during the hearing, he heard the cries of a woman advocate who wanted to enter the courtroom to attend her case but was allegedly misbehaved with and forcibly stopped from entering.

Describing such conduct as detrimental to the reputation and dignity of the Bar as well as the Court, the Bench observed thus:

"The proceedings of the Court cannot be allowed to be stalled merely because a section of advocates does not want the Court to function, although the majority of advocates want to argue their cases".

The Court also took “judicial notice” of certain social media posts uploaded by young advocates concerning the functioning of the High Court and advocates.

The single judge cautioned that incomplete and twisted information, shared without thoughtful consideration, could lead to an "unnecessary accentuation of differences between the Bar and the Bench".

In this regard, the Court advised young advocates to focus on their studies and case preparation to build their careers instead of chasing social media likes.

He added that most of the judges, as well as senior advocates of this Court, are trying their best to create a good atmosphere for the future of young lawyers.

The Court further remarked that advocates command respect in society because the public has trust in the High Court. It emphasized that maintaining the dignity of the High Court was not merely the duty of judges but also of advocates.

"If public trust in the High Court gets eroded, then mafias and certain unruly public officials will start harassing advocates, as recently happened in certain districts, which was also highlighted in several newspapers", the Court further remarked.

It further stated that the dignity of advocates includes both private advocates and government advocates, as government advocates are also members of the Bar.

Accordingly, the Court expected the newly elected body of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association to consider the issue and take appropriate steps to maintain the dignity of the High Court.

In the interest of justice, the Court adjourned the bail matter and directed that it be listed on November 26.