Contempt Allegation Against Lawyer Ashok Pandey Fixed
Allahabad High Court Frames Contempt Charges Against Advocate for Communal Allegations
Table of Contents
- Allahabad High Court Frames Contempt Charges Against Advocate for Communal Allegations
- Allahabad High Court contempt Case: Your Questions Answered
- What is the Allahabad High Court Contempt Case About?
- Who is Ashok Pandey?
- What are the Specific Charges Against Ashok Pandey?
- What is Criminal Contempt of Court?
- what did Ashok Pandey Allegedly Say in His Petition?
- What is the Background of the Case?
- What Has Happened to Ashok Pandey Previously?
- What is the Allahabad High Court?
- What Happens Next in the Contempt Case?
- Summary of Key Events and Allegations
LUCKNOW, India (AP) — The Allahabad High Court has initiated criminal contempt proceedings against Ashok Pandey, a lawyer based in Lucknow, for allegedly making baseless and communal allegations against a sitting judge in a 2016 petition.
Details of the Contempt Charges
A division bench comprising Justices Vivek Chaudhary and Brij Raj Singh directed Pandey to file a response within 15 days.The court alleges Pandey misused the judicial process for self-promotion, defaming the court and undermining its authority.
The specific charges against Pandey stem from writ petition number 8216 (MB) of 2016. According to the court, paragraphs 9 and 10 of the petition contained “insulting, careless, and communal allegations” against the chairman of the High CourtS 150th-anniversary function organizing committee, who was then a sitting judge.
The court’s formal accusation reads,in part: “…you have tried to reduce the rights and dignity of the court,intervened and attempted to divide the judicial institution on a communal basis,prima facie for the formation of criminal contempt under Section 2 (C) of the Contempt Act,1971 of the court.”
The bench questioned why Pandey should not be punished for criminal contempt, considering the allegations made against the judge, which the court views as an attempt to defame the institution and diminish its dignity.
Background of the Case
The contempt proceedings against Pandey originated in April 2016, following his petition challenging a cultural program organized on the High Court’s new Lucknow campus to commemorate its 150th anniversary.
The High Court specifically noted that paragraphs 9 and 10 of pandey’s petition contained allegations against the sitting judge who chaired the event’s organizing committee.
Nature of the Allegations
Pandey’s petition reportedly claimed that the judge and High Court administration engaged in activities that hurt the sentiments of Hindus by beginning the evening cultural program with “Allah-Hu, Allah-Hu.”
Pandey further alleged this was a response to then-Governor Ram Naik,who had earlier conducted a Ram Katha during the day session,attended by then-Vice President of India Hamid Ansari,and offered greetings for Navratri and Ram Navami.
Earlier Actions Against Pandey
In 2016, the Allahabad High Court initiated contempt proceedings, deeming Pandey’s actions a “conscious and pre-planned” effort to malign the court and the judge.
Notably, the High Court recently sentenced Pandey to six months’ imprisonment for using derogatory language against High Court judges in 2021, referring to them as “goons.”
Allahabad High Court contempt Case: Your Questions Answered
What is the Allahabad High Court Contempt Case About?
The Allahabad High Court has initiated criminal contempt proceedings against Ashok Pandey, a Lucknow-based lawyer. He is accused of making baseless and communal allegations against a sitting judge in a 2016 petition.
Who is Ashok Pandey?
Ashok Pandey is a lawyer from Lucknow,India. He is the subject of the contempt proceedings initiated by the Allahabad High Court.
What are the Specific Charges Against Ashok Pandey?
The charges stem from a 2016 writ petition (number 8216 MB). The court alleges that paragraphs 9 and 10 of the petition contained “insulting, careless, and communal allegations” against the chairman of the High Court’s 150th-anniversary function organizing committee, who was a sitting judge at the time. The court views the allegations as an attempt to defame the institution and diminish its dignity. Pandey is accused of misusing the judicial process for self-promotion and undermining the court’s authority.
What is Criminal Contempt of Court?
The court’s formal accusation, in part, states that Pandey ”…you have tried to reduce the rights and dignity of the court, intervened and attempted to divide the judicial institution on a communal basis, prima facie for the formation of criminal contempt under Section 2 (C) of the Contempt Act, 1971 of the court.” This is a law created to protect the independence and reputation of the judiciary.
what did Ashok Pandey Allegedly Say in His Petition?
Pandey’s petition challenged a cultural program held on the Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow campus for its 150th anniversary. He claimed the judge and High Court governance engaged in activities that hurt Hindu sentiments by starting the evening program with “Allah-Hu, Allah-Hu.” He further alleged this was a response to then-Governor Ram Naik who had conducted a Ram Katha earlier.
What is the Background of the Case?
The contempt proceedings began in April 2016. The Allahabad High Court deemed Pandey’s actions a “conscious and pre-planned” effort to malign the court and the judge.
What Has Happened to Ashok Pandey Previously?
In 2021,the Allahabad High Court sentenced Pandey to six months’ imprisonment for his use of derogatory language against High Court judges,referring to them as “goons.” This demonstrates a pattern of behavior involving disrespect toward the judiciary.
What is the Allahabad High Court?
The Allahabad High Court is one of the oldest High Courts in india,located in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). It holds notable legal and judicial authority within the state of Uttar Pradesh.
What Happens Next in the Contempt Case?
The division bench,comprising justices Vivek Chaudhary and Brij Raj Singh,has directed Pandey to file a response within 15 days in response to the contempt charges. The court will then review his response. The court questioned why Pandey should not be punished for criminal contempt given the nature of the allegations.
Summary of Key Events and Allegations
To summarize the core aspects of the case, here’s a table:
| Event/Allegation | Details |
|---|---|
| Contempt charges Initiated | Against Ashok Pandey by the Allahabad High Court. |
| Accusation | Making “baseless and communal allegations” against a sitting judge. |
| Origin of Allegations | Writ petition number 8216 (MB) of 2016 (paragraphs 9 and 10). |
| Nature of Allegations | Claimed the judge and administration hurt Hindu sentiments, related to a cultural program. |
| Court’s Stance | Views the allegations as an attempt to defame the court. |
| Past Actions Against Pandey | Sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for using derogatory language against judges in 2021. |