The Allahabad High Court has imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on advocate Mehmood Pracha for filing a petition that wasted the court’s valuable time.
The petition questioned the authenticity, integrity, security, and verification of videography during the election process.
The court also took exception to Pracha’s conduct, as he appeared for the hearing via video conferencing while wearing a coat and band, which is inappropriate for personal representation.
The bench, comprising Justice Shekhar B Saraf and Justice Manjiv Shukla, noted that Pracha had previously filed two similar petitions on the same subject before the Delhi High Court, and satisfactory orders had passed.
Despite this, he approached the Allahabad High Court, seeking the same relief related to the 2024 elections in Uttar Pradesh’s 7-Rampur Lok Sabha constituency.
The court questioned why Pracha chose to approach the Uttar Pradesh High Court when he had already filed two writ petitions on the same subject in the Delhi High Court.
“It is beyond the court’s understanding why the petitioner opted to approach this court after filing two writ petitions on the same subject matter in Delhi,” the court remarked.
The court also expressed surprise over Pracha’s inappropriate conduct by wearing a coat and band while arguing in person, a practice not permitted under professional etiquette.
“Such behavior is unacceptable from a senior member of the Bar, who is likely to be aware of the basic courtesies when addressing the bench personally,” the court stated.
Moreover, the court emphasized that Pracha had filed the petition through another advocate, Umar Jamin, and without dismissing his lawyer or obtaining the court’s permission, he appeared in person to argue the case, which violated procedural norms.
In light of the frivolous nature of the petition and Pracha’s ‘improper conduct’ during the personal appearance, the court dismissed the petition with a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
The amount is to be paid to the Uttar Pradesh State Legal Services Authority within 30 days.
The court warned that failure to pay the fine would result in recovery proceedings through revenue authorities.
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