In a major development, the Allahabad High Court, on July 8, 2025, took strong exception to the unauthorized use of a lawyer's chamber as a ‘Vivah Kendra’ (marriage center) within the Lucknow District Court Campus. The court ordered the immediate eviction of two advocates, Raghvendra Mishra Hindu and Vipin Chaurasia, who were found running this center from Chamber No. 31 in the old CSC building.
"This Court takes judicial notice of the alleged Brahmastra Legal Associates running a 'Vivah Kendra'... which has been transferred for the use of Advocates working in the District Court Campus." – Allahabad High Court
The issue came to light during the hearing of a habeas corpus writ petition titled Shivani Yadav And Another vs. State Of U.P. Thru. Prin. Secy. Home Lko. And Others. The petition was filed seeking protection for a couple who claimed to have married against family wishes. However, startling revelations emerged during the proceedings.
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Counsel for petitioner no. 1, Shivani Yadav, stated that she had not married Arun Kumar Yadav (petitioner no. 2), and she continued to live with her parents. Furthermore, she denied signing any vakalatnama or filing any joint affidavit. This prompted the court to suspect the authenticity of the documents and the existence of the so-called marriage.
The marriage certificate annexed with the plea had been issued by Pragatisheel Hindu Samaj Nyas, Alambagh and mentioned Brahmastra Legal Associates as the venue where the ceremony was conducted.
“Since the affidavit is apparently false, we direct initiation of proceedings for perjury under Sections 340 and 195 of the CrPC and IPC against Arun Kumar Yadav…” – Court order
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Taking immediate action, the bench comprising Justice Sangeeta Chandra and Justice Brij Raj Singh directed the Station House Officer, Wazeerganj, and a team from the District Court to inspect the chamber and submit a detailed report. The team submitted colored photographs showing floral decorations, iron gates with buntings, and signage with advocate names and contact details.
Raghvendra Mishra admitted to conducting marriages inside the chamber, complete with photography and videography. However, the court noted the absence of any sacred fire—raising serious doubts over the legitimacy of the marriage ceremonies, especially since the ‘Saptapadi’ ritual (seven sacred steps) is mandatory under Hindu law.
"It appears to be an encroachment as it amounts to damaging the existing construction inside the old CSC building." – Observation by the Court
The High Court took the matter seriously and decided to refer the case for suo motu PIL proceedings regarding such “unsavory activities” being carried out in the District Court premises. It also dismissed the writ petition due to false representation by petitioner no. 2 and ordered all case records to be preserved.
In a decisive order, the Court directed:
- Immediate eviction of the chamber by the two advocates
- Erasing signage of Brahmastra Legal Associates and Pragatisheel Hindu Samaj Nyas with white paint within two days
- Forcible removal if necessary, with police assistance
"We direct the District and Sessions Judge, Lucknow to ensure the immediate vacation of Chamber No.31… and scoring out with white paint ‘Brahmastra Legal Associates’ and ‘Pragatisheel Hindu Samaj Nyas’.” – Final order
Case title - Shivani Yadav And Another vs. State Of U.P. Thru. Prin. Secy. Home Lko. And Others