Supreme Court Stays Allahabad High Court’s ₹1 Lakh Fine On Lawyer Mahmood Pracha

The Supreme Court on Friday granted relief to lawyer Mahmood Pracha by staying the ₹1 lakh fine imposed on him by the Allahabad High Court. A bench led by Justice Suryakant issued notices to all relevant parties, seeking responses as Pracha challenges the High Court’s decision.

Pracha’s petition in the Allahabad High Court addressed concerns over the verification of election videography and security measures. However, the High Court dismissed his petition, citing it as a misuse of the court’s time. The court pointed out that Pracha had already filed similar petitions in the Delhi High Court, where he received rulings aligned with his requests and expressed satisfaction with the decisions. Despite this, Pracha later filed a similar petition in Allahabad.

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The Allahabad High Court expressed surprise over Pracha’s conduct, particularly noting that he argued his case personally while wearing a court band, a move deemed inappropriate for a senior advocate. The court emphasized that senior members of the bar are expected to follow basic courtroom etiquette when personally addressing the bench.

The High Court urged Pracha to uphold the decorum and dignity of the court in future appearances, stating, “The petitioner cannot jump midway and change his mind, nor can he choose the forum of his choice.” It further noted that if Pracha had unresolved issues, he could have re-approached the Delhi High Court instead of filing a fresh petition on the same matter in Allahabad.

The Supreme Court’s stay on the fine offers Pracha temporary relief as the case proceeds.