Last month, a judge from the Andhra Pradesh High Court mandated that an attorney be placed in police custody for a full day due to what was described as “indolent” behavior in court.

Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao was captured in a widely circulated video chastising the relatively inexperienced lawyer, who has been practicing for only two years.

In the footage, Justice Rao can be heard questioning, “Have I made a decision to dismiss your writ petition? Typically, judges adhere to their own rulings. Are you under the impression that you are a prominent senior advocate? Call the police. You should file an appeal.”

The advocate, seen in the video, is shown pleading for mercy, with his hands clasped in a gesture of respect, saying, “I apologize… I am imploring for your kindness, your lordships.”

An official from the Andhra Pradesh High Court Bar Association informed indianexpress.com that the incident occurred on April 4, during a hearing regarding a petition that contested the issuance of a lookout notice against a litigant and the seizure of his passport.

Following the incident, the president and other representatives from the Bar Association approached the judge to request the retraction of his order. As a result, the directive was annulled before it could be formalized, as noted by the official.

The Bar Council of India has since contacted the Chief Justice of India to request immediate intervention in this matter. Reports indicate that Chief Justice Surya Kant has asked for an account from the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Before the decision to place the advocate in police custody was finalized, Justice Rao took note of the names of other lawyers present in the courtroom.

In his recorded remarks, Justice Rao stated, “The counsel for the petitioner has acted indolently, as observed by others in the courtroom. Therefore, the police are instructed to take this counsel into custody for a duration of 24 hours.”

Despite the ruling, the advocate continued to plead for leniency. Justice Rao responded, “Refrain from saying anything, counsel; when you argue, must I declare the order?”

The judge instructed the registrar to execute the order without delay and to take the advocate into custody, adding, “Go and inform them; conduct a protest at the Bar Council. You lack even ten years of practice, and you will face consequences.”

“Now you will endure the repercussions,” Justice Rao concluded.