The Allahabad High Court has barred advocate Asok Pande from practicing or even entering the court premises at both Allahabad and Lucknow for a period of three years, citing repeated instances of contempt, including calling judges “goondas” and defying court decorum.
A Bench comprising Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice Brij Raj Singh passed the order, which also upheld an earlier sentence of six months’ simple imprisonment and a fine of ₹2,000, imposed for his behavior during a 2021 hearing.
“The contemnor is restrained from practicing and appearing before this Court at Allahabad and Lucknow for a period of three years. He is also restrained from entering in the premises of High Court at Allahabad and Lucknow during the said period, unless specially ordered by this Court,” the Bench stated in a strongly worded order.
The Court had earlier taken note of Pande’s use of foul language, including directly referring to judges as “goondas” during proceedings, and his improper dress—such as leaving the top buttons of his shirt unbuttoned while addressing the Bench.
Despite being previously banned for two years, the Court observed that there was no improvement in his conduct. His plea to reduce the current ban to three months on the grounds of livelihood was also dismissed.
“We are not satisfied with the aforesaid submission… more specifically when earlier contemnor was restrained… and despite that, contemnor has not shown any improvement in his conduct,” the order noted.
Pande had sought parity with senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, who was penalized only ₹1 in a 2020 contempt case. However, the Court rejected the comparison, stating:
“Further, he is facing six other contempt petitions. Thus, it is not possible for this Court to grant parity…”
The Court further held that Pande’s apology was neither timely nor genuine.
“We do not find any reason to accept his apology, as the same is very belated and is also not bonafide,” it ruled. “We also do not find any reason to make any modification in the punishment…”
As per the order, Pande must surrender before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Lucknow within two months from May 26, 2025, and pay the ₹2,000 fine within one month. Failure to do so will result in an additional one-month jail term.
Case: State of UP vs Asok Pande – Available on LAWFYI.IO
