Bhubaneswar, May 5: The Odisha State Bar Council ( OSBC) Chairman, Sitanshu Mohan Dwibedy, and its members have strongly condemned the Andhra Pradesh High Court judge’s order to send a junior lawyer to police custody for 24 hours.

Chairman Sitanshu Mohan Dwibedy described the directive as inappropriate, stating that it is “unfortunate, unacceptable, and unexpected from a judge.” He added that such actions undermine the cordial relationship between the legal fraternity and the judiciary. Dwibedy further noted that the matter has been brought to the attention of the Bar Council of India to ensure appropriate measures are taken.

Earlier, Manan Kumar Mishra, President of the Bar Council of India, also expressed his disapproval of the High Court judge’s decision. He termed the incident as “unfortunate, unacceptable, and unexpected,” highlighting that it occurred during proceedings in Judge T.R. Rajashekar Rao’s courtroom.

Reports indicate that the young advocate representing the complainant, despite being a junior lawyer, was ordered into police custody for a minor procedural lapse, even as he had humbly pleaded for leniency.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among lawyers nationwide, raising questions about the conduct expected of judicial authorities. The President of the Bar Council of India has formally communicated the matter to the Chief Justice of India, urging suitable action in response to the inappropriate directive.