The Telangana High Court has reiterated that even an exceptional one-day abstention from court work cannot justify intimidating or obstructing an advocate who chooses to attend.
Justice Laxmi Narayana Alishetty made the observations in Vijay Gopal’s contempt case concerning a June 2025 bar boycott and an alleged assault.
The court said the limited exception recognised in Supreme Court precedent is subject to conditions, including consultation with the appropriate judicial authority. No material established such consultation here. Even if the exception applied, it would not extend to coercion or physical obstruction.
The contempt case was nevertheless dismissed. The bench found insufficient material establishing individual wilful disobedience by the office-bearers collectively; the alleged assault attributed to one respondent involved disputed facts already before criminal proceedings.
The dismissal did not approve the alleged conduct. The court asked bar office-bearers to exercise restraint and ensure that protests do not prevent advocates or litigants from accessing courts.