**Local Lawyer Sentenced to Jail for Contempt of Court in Allahabad**
The Allahabad High Court has sentenced Ashok Pande, a local lawyer, to six months in prison due to a contempt of court case dating back to 2021. This ruling follows an incident where Pande appeared in court without the appropriate lawyer’s robe and with his shirt unbuttoned, which the court deemed disrespectful.
On Thursday, a division bench comprising Justices Vivek Chaudhary and BR Singh stated that “exemplary punishment is warranted” given the seriousness of the offense, Pande’s previous conduct, and his unwillingness to participate in the legal proceedings. In addition to the prison sentence, Pande has been fined Rs 2,000, with the stipulation that failure to pay the fine will result in an additional month of imprisonment.
Pande has been ordered to surrender to the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Lucknow within four weeks. The court has also issued a show-cause notice, questioning why Pande should not be prohibited from practicing law at both the Allahabad High Court and its Lucknow bench, with a response required by May 1.
The contempt proceedings were initiated suo motu after Pande’s inappropriate attire during a court appearance in August 2021, where he reportedly referred to the judges as “goondas” when asked to leave. Despite multiple opportunities to address the charges, Pande failed to respond. The court also took into account his prior record, which includes a two-year ban from court premises in 2017, in its decision.
In summary, the Allahabad High Court’s ruling against Ashok Pande underscores the importance of maintaining decorum in legal proceedings and the consequences of failing to do so.
**FAQ**
*What led to Ashok Pande’s contempt of court sentence?*
Ashok Pande was sentenced for appearing in court inappropriately dressed and for disrespectful remarks towards judges, which prompted contempt proceedings.