‘Made To Beg in Open Court’: Bar Council Flags Andhra Pradesh HC Judge’s 24-Hour Custody Order To CJI

The Bar Council of India has written to Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant seeking urgent intervention over the conduct of Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao of the Andhra Pradesh High Court after a young lawyer was reportedly sent to judicial custody for 24 hours during court proceedings. The incident, which surfaced through a viral courtroom video, has triggered sharp reactions within the legal fraternity, with the BCI calling the episode damaging to the dignity of the Bar and judicial institution.

Viral Courtroom Video Sparks Controversy

A video circulating on social media allegedly shows the advocate apologising repeatedly with folded hands before the Andhra Pradesh High Court judge. During the exchange, the judge accused the counsel of behaving "indolently" and directed police personnel to take him into custody.

"I have decided to dismiss your writ petition? What the judges will do follow their own orders. Are you thinking...a great senior advocate," the judge can reportedly be heard saying in the video.

The court then dictated its order, stating, "The counsel for the petitioner has behaved indolently...hence police is directed to take the counsel to the custody for a period of 24 hours".

The judge also reportedly told the lawyer to go and stage a dharna before the Bar Council.

BCI Demands Administrative Action Against Judge

In a letter dated May 6, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra urged the Chief Justice of India to take immediate administrative steps against the judge. The recommendations included withdrawal of judicial work, transfer to another High Court, and judicial orientation training.

"Appropriate administrative action may kindly be considered, including withdrawal of judicial work from the learned Judge pending review, his immediate transfer to some far-off High Court, and his nomination for appropriate judicial training/orientation on court management, judicial temperament, BarBench relations, and proportional exercise of contempt/judicial authority," the BCI letter stated.

Sources indicated that CJI Surya Kant has already sought a report from the Andhra Pradesh High Court Chief Justice regarding the incident.

Bar Council Raises Questions Over Judicial Temperament

Referring to the viral video and the custody order, the Bar Council said the matter raises serious concerns over proportionality and courtroom conduct.

"With utmost respect to the majesty of the Court, such a course, if correctly reflected in the video and the order, raises grave questions of judicial temperament, proportionality, fairness, and the dignity of the Bar," the BCI said in its communication.

The council further stated that sending a young lawyer to custody over what appeared to be a procedural lapse could have a severe impact on confidence within the legal community.

"It is most humbly submitted that incidents of this nature have a chilling effect upon young members of the Bar. They create fear in the minds. The dignity of the Court is not enhanced when a lawyer is made to beg for grace in open Court and is still sent to custody for a procedural lapse," the letter read.

Judiciary's Moral Authority Must Be Preserved: BCI

The BCI emphasised that its representation was aimed at preserving public confidence in the judiciary and maintaining institutional dignity. According to the council, incidents of this nature risk weakening trust between the Bench and the Bar while creating fear among young advocates entering the profession.

The controversy has now placed focus on courtroom conduct, judicial accountability, and the balance between maintaining court discipline and protecting the dignity of legal practitioners.