In a striking turn, the Supreme Court has halted a ₹1 lakh penalty imposed on advocate Mehmood Pracha by the Allahabad High Court. The High Court had previously fined Pracha, criticizing his approach to “forum shopping” and his choice to argue in legal attire despite representing himself as a petitioner.
A Supreme Court Bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, issued a limited notice to review the High Court’s adverse remarks and the penalty. They sought responses on whether the observations should be expunged and the cost order lifted, with a decision due by December 9, 2024. Meanwhile, the financial penalty imposed by the High Court stands paused.
Pracha’s original petition sought video verification of the Rampur Lok Sabha seat’s electoral process after he contested as an independent in the 2024 elections. This footage was provided by the Election Commission following a plea filed by Pracha in the Delhi High Court. However, his subsequent appearance in Allahabad stirred controversy, with the High Court viewing his choice of attire and simultaneous legal actions as disruptive and an inefficient use of court time.
Currently, the Supreme Court has stayed the cost order and instructed Pracha to hold off on pursuing his main petition in the Allahabad High Court for the time being.
