The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has issued a show cause notice to Advocate Balraj Singh Malik over his alleged conduct towards its President and Senior Advocate Pradeep Kumar Rai, asking him to explain why he should not be suspended or expelled from the Association.
The notice dated October 13, accessed by Bar & Bench, has been issued by SCBA Honorary Secretary Pragya Baghel.
It states that a complaint against Malik was considered by the SCBA Executive Committee, which found a prima facie case against him.
The notice follows a face-off on the Supreme Court lawns on Monday, a video of which went viral.
As per the notice, the President and Executive Committee members had gathered on the lawn at around 1:15 PM "to show solidarity with fellow advocates who were reportedly beaten during the protest on 10 October 2026."
"The President has been subjected to unparliamentary language and intimidation during media interviews. The incident has been widely circulated on social media and national news channels," the notice states.
The SCBA has also cited a WhatsApp message attributed to Malik in which he allegedly referred to an Executive Committee member as "dalal" (broker).
The notice underlines that office bearers hold their posts by election.
"The President and members of the Executive Committee are elected representatives of the Association and decisions of the Committee are taken by majority. The alleged improper conduct and language towards them raise serious concerns under Rule 35," it states.
Malik has been given seven days to submit a written explanation. The notice warns that "failure to do so may result in further action."
The episode comes amid tension over the police action against lawyers on October 10. The SCBA has moved the Supreme Court alleging that lawyers walking near the Court that day were manhandled, forcibly detained and taken kilometres away, as part of the police crackdown on anti-CEC protestors. The lawyers were released after a representation was made to the CJI.
In its plea, the bar body has sought a status report on the police action, including the detentions and the identity of the officers involved.