Lawyers abstain from work at Rouse Avenue Court over judges remarks to advocate

Lawyers at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Monday (May 19, 2026) abstained from judicial work and observed a strike in protest against alleged derogatory remarks made by a judge towards an advocate during court proceedings.

The development comes a day after the Delhi High Court ordered the attachment of District Judge Rakesh Kumar to the Delhi Judicial Academy following the circulation of a video on social media purportedly showing him in a heated exchange with a lawyer.

The protest, led by members of the Bar, affected regular proceedings in parts of the court complex, with several cases being adjourned or delayed owing to the absence of legal representation. Advocates assembled within the court premises and expressed support for the lawyer concerned, contending that the remarks made by the judge were inappropriate and not in keeping with the standards of decorum expected in interactions between the Bench and the Bar.

Speaking to The Hindu, Neeraj Kumar, president of the Central Delhi Court Bar Association, said the issue extended beyond a single incident and raised concerns regarding the broader principle of maintaining mutual respect in courtrooms. He said that while judges are empowered to ensure discipline and order during proceedings, communication with advocates should remain balanced and respectful.

“Reports of disagreements between lawyers and judges appear frequently. Our concern is not with any individual judge. We are seeking general guidelines governing judges’ conduct with lawyers,” he said.

He added that the strike was intended as a symbolic expression of dissatisfaction and that normal work would resume on Tuesday (May 19).

Meanwhile, lawyers alleged that certain judges had imposed costs on advocates for their absence from proceedings, claiming the move was retaliatory and linked to their participation in the protest in support of their colleague.