The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has formally requested the Awadh Bar Association to intervene and take appropriate action regarding Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal. The petition follows two late-October 2026 orders that the association argues damage the legal community’s interests and professional standing.
Allahabad High Court Bar Association Demands Judicial Intervention
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has written to newly elected office-bearers of the Awadh Bar Association, asking them to take collective action regarding Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal. The October 31, 2026, letter demands appropriate steps be taken. The dispute centers on two specific court orders issued on October 28 and October 29, 2026, which the association claims undermine lawyers’ dignity.
The controversy stems from courtroom disruptions on October 27, 2026, in Justice Ajay Bhanot’s courtroom. Lawyers previously accused Justice Bhanot of humiliating an advocate and mocking a senior lawyer, which triggered protests within the high court premises.
Disputed Orders Target Courtroom Protests and Access Restrictions
Justice Deshwal issued the first contested ruling on October 28 in the bail application of Devendra Kumar v. State of Uttar Pradesh. The order directed authorities to identify lawyers who allegedly shouted slogans in the corridors and disrupted proceedings in connection with the October 27 incident. Justice Deshwal termed this behavior contemptuous and indicated that the matter could be referred to the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh for disciplinary action.
The Allahabad HC Bar Association wants Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal kept from hearing cases, asking the Awadh Bar to intervene. It alleges his Oct 28-29 orders deepened the Bar-Bench standoff.@ISalilTiwari reportsRead more: https://t.co/B2EZ86bJOT pic.twitter.com/1t9yK237VV
— https://x.com/LawBeatInd/status/2116538168329826661
A second contested order followed on October 29 in the bail case of Ankit Singh alias Anant Singh. This ruling addressed reports that certain individuals claiming to be high court lawyers had forcibly prevented other advocates and government counsels from entering Justice Deshwal’s courtroom. The judge noted that the majority of practitioners maintain high standards of conduct, but urged the bar leadership to protect court dignity against disruptive actions by a minority.
Judicial Warnings and Bar Association Response
In a subsequent order on October 30, Justice Deshwal warned junior lawyers against prioritizing social media metrics over professional preparation. The bench observed that unverified online commentary risks widening the gap between the bar and the bench. The judge cautioned that public erosion of trust in the high court exposes the judicial system and legal practitioners to external pressures.
The association argues that the October 29 order specifically sought to create division among members of the bar, making intervention by the Awadh Bar Association necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which specific cases prompted the intervention by the Allahabad High Court Bar Association?
The association objected to orders passed in two bail proceedings: Devendra Kumar versus State of Uttar Pradesh on October 28, 2026, and Ankit Singh alias Anant Singh versus State of Uttar Pradesh on October 29, 2026.
Who signed the formal letter sent to the Awadh Bar Association?
The letter was signed by Allahabad High Court Bar Association President Dr. C.P.
What advice did Justice Deshwal give to junior advocates in his October 30 order?
Justice Deshwal advised young lawyers to focus on legal studies and case preparation rather than chasing social media likes, warning that incomplete online posts can unnecessarily escalate tensions between the bar and the bench.
Judicial assignments and bar leadership responses remain subject to ongoing administrative developments at the Allahabad High Court.