Allahabad High Court cancels interim bail of advocate accused of sexually harassing woman lawyer

The Allahabad High Court on Monday cancelled the interim bail of an advocate accused of sexually harassing a woman lawyer.

Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal found that the accused had violated an earlier undertaking by appearing in the High Court despite agreeing not to visit the premises.

The judge also took strong exception to the lawyer directly submitting an application to him seeking permission to enter the High Court premises.

The judge observed that the proper course was to file an appropriate application before the registry, rather than address or forward it directly to the judge in chambers.

"Prima facie, the aforesaid act of the applicant appears to be an attempt to influence me and may amount to interference with the administration of justice," the Court said.

Though the Court was initially inclined to consider the matter further, it immediately ordered cancellation of his interim bail after finding him present in the courtroom.

"Today, this Court is surprised to find that the applicant himself is present in Court in violation of his undertaking, despite the fact that his counsel is also present. Apart from this, the act of sending an application personally to me, who is sitting in the roster of bail applications, also reflects the conduct of the applicant".

Considering the conduct, the Court directed the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh to take action against the accused lawyer.

"The aforesaid act of the applicant is contemptuous and wholly unprofessional. Therefore, the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh is directed to conduct an appropriate enquiry into the conduct of the applicant and take appropriate action, in accordance with law, to determine whether he is fit to continue in the legal profession," the Court said.

The Court had on March 16 granted interim bail to the accused after he tendered an unconditional apology and undertook to not visit the High Court without permission. The Court had also considered the fact that the accused has been in custody since August 2025 and that a chargesheet was filed against him.

In 2025, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered by Prayagraj police against the accused under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for sexual harassment, stalking, wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation and other offences. 

The complainant alleged that he used to stop her while going to the ladies toilet or in the court corridor and also tried to contact her despite clear unwillingness and lack of consent. It was also alleged that he used to pass comments against her.

The counsel representing the accused submitted an unconditional apology for his conduct and assured that he will not try to contact her in any manner. It was also submitted that he will not visit the High Court without permission.

In February, the Court directed Jail Superintendent of Naini Jail and CMO, Prayagraj to conduct a mental test of the accused. Following an examination, the doctors said that no psychiatric and neurotic illness could be detected and his mental state is sound.

Considering the facts of the case as well as the assurances made by the accused, the Court on March 16 granted him interim bail till the next date of hearing. The Court also directed that he shall not approach or contact the complainant either physically or through social media platforms.

The Court also had directed the police to ensure the complainant’s safety.

It has now directed that the security shall remain with her till conclusion of trial.

Advocates Basant Kumar Chauhan and Shyam Chandra Pandey appeared for the accused.

Advocates Satyam Singh and Abhijeet Verma represented the complainant.

Additional Government Advocate Roshan Kumar Singh appeared for the State.