Allahabad HC expresses concern over unruly behaviour by ‘men in black’

Lucknow, Nov 24: The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has expressed serious concern on “growing anarchy” on Lucknow district court campus by “some men in black coats and bands”.

The bench has summoned the Commissioner of Police (CP) on December 2 with details of action taken against such erring men in connection with cases lodged with police and also filed in the court.

The bench of Justices Sangeeta Chandra and N.K. Johri passed the order on nine petitions filed by A.K. Khanna and others individually.

In the petitions, hooliganism and anarchy caused by "men clad in black robes" have been highlighted and strict action has been sought against such erring alleged lawyers.

“In 2010 when strict orders were passed, the situation had improved, but now again such erring men in black dress have been causing anarchy on the campus and it has to be dealt with iron hand again," the bench observed.

It asked the CP about the status of an SIT constituted after the court’s orders in 2010 to investigate cases in which names of “men in black coats” had come to light.

The bench further asked him about the steps proposed to be taken to check such men.

It also asked the Uttar Pradesh Bar Council, as to how many lawyers, who were found wearing black coats and bands in public places, it had instituted disciplinary proceedings and took action.