After Andhra HC row, SC directs high courts to set up Bar-Bench grievance panels

The episode drew strong reactions from legal bodies: the Supreme Court Bar Association expressed deep concern and shock over the incident, warning it could chill the independence of the Bar. The Bar Council of India wrote to the Chief Justice of India noting that such incidents create fear among young advocates and erode confidence in the justice system.

A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi urged high courts to constitute grievance redressal committees at the high court, district, and taluka levels to amicably resolve tensions between the Bar and the Bench. The proceedings initiated suo motu were closed, with the court noting a report from the Andhra Pradesh High Court about the incident. The AP HC had formed a five-judge committee to maintain cordial Bar-Bench relations and a separate grievance redressal mechanism; the court reminded that de-contextualized video circulation should be avoided and media should report responsibly.

During the hearing of a petition challenging a look-out circular and impounding of a passport, Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao of the Andhra Pradesh High Court rebuked a young advocate. A video of the exchange circulated online; the advocate repeatedly apologized while pleading. The judge reportedly directed that the advocate be taken into custody for 24 hours, a direction not enforced after intervention by the high court Bar. The incident prompted discussions on Bar-Bench relations and institutional remedies.