New Delhi, July 13, 2024: The Allahabad High Court Bar Association (HCBA) has declared a series of protests against what it describes as the “God syndrome” among judges, urging a shift in the judiciary’s approach towards lawyers. Following a resolution passed on July 11 during an executive body meeting, the HCBA announced that lawyers would cease addressing judges as ‘milords’ or ‘your lordship’.
Senior advocate Anil Tiwari, president of the HCBA, emphasized that judges should not perceive themselves as deities, highlighting instances of judges using demeaning language towards lawyers. The HCBA’s protest, which began on July 10, was fueled by what it described as misconduct and disrespect from judges, particularly justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal.
In a memorandum submitted on July 9 to Chief Justice Arun Bhansali, the HCBA outlined grievances against justice Agarwal’s conduct, including alleged insulting remarks towards lawyers and failure to adhere to Supreme Court mandates regarding bail applications. The memorandum also criticized Agarwal’s recent comments during a bail hearing for an individual accused of religious conversion, which drew condemnation from the United Christian Forum.
Despite meeting with Chief Justice Bhansali and five other judges, the HCBA decided to extend their protest after receiving no positive assurances. The association’s resolution included a commitment to abstain from judicial work on July 12 as well and a decision to address judges with terms like “Sir”, “Your Honour,” or “Mannaniya (Honourable)” instead.
In a stern warning, the HCBA stated that any lawyer found working contrary to the protest resolution would face cancellation of their membership and other penalties, including being blacklisted from future Bar memberships.
Anil Tiwari stressed the necessity of the Bar’s role in protecting justice and the rule of law, stating that ridding the judiciary of the “God syndrome” was essential for its integrity.
