The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has taken serious note of a public interest litigation alleging that a group of persons dressed as advocates forcibly entered a disputed property in Lucknow, vandalised the premises, and allegedly intimidated those present while police personnel remained at the spot without taking effective action. Calling the allegations and video footage "disturbing," the court sought an explanation from senior police officials and directed the Police Commissioner to personally examine the incident.
Background of the Case
The PIL was filed by advocate Saksham Singh, who informed the court that videos circulating on social media showed individuals wearing lawyers' attire entering a property used for cricket practice and marriage functions on July 7, 2026. According to the petition, the group allegedly abused people present, assaulted staff and labourers, threw bricks, and damaged CCTV cameras. An FIR had already been lodged by the person claiming possession of the property.
The court also noted that the FIR identified several advocates by name. During the hearing, the petitioner further submitted that another advocate, whose name had surfaced in connected proceedings, was allegedly present at the police station during developments related to the property dispute.
Court's Observations
After watching the video clip placed before it, the bench observed that it presented a deeply troubling picture. The judges noted that several persons wearing lawyers' attire entered the premises in large numbers and allegedly attempted to take control of it.
"The video clip shows a disturbing picture where several lawyers barged into the premises," the bench observed, adding that members of the Bar had informed the court that such groups allegedly promise to resolve property disputes through extra-legal means, bringing disrepute to the legal profession and bypassing the rule of law.
The court also questioned why police officers present at the scene allegedly remained passive despite the incident continuing for several hours.
"The question is why the police were mute spectators when such incident was taking place," the bench remarked while asking why additional force was not effectively deployed and why those allegedly trespassing were not apprehended.
The judges further observed that the police personnel visible in the footage appeared to be interacting with the alleged transgressors in a friendly manner. Without reaching any final conclusion, the bench recorded that the possibility of local police having facilitated the alleged illegalities "cannot be ruled out."
Court's Decision
The High Court directed that the matter be listed again on July 23, 2026, along with connected petitions. It ordered the Commissioner of Police, Lucknow, to join the proceedings through video conferencing after conducting an inquiry into why appropriate action was not taken despite the presence of police personnel at the spot.
The Joint Commissioner of Police, DCP, and the concerned ACP were also directed to appear before the court. The video evidence was ordered to be preserved in a sealed cover, and the Police Commissioner was further directed to ensure security for the petitioner.
Case Details
Case Title: Saksham Singh (Advocate) vs. State of U.P. through Addl. Chief Secretary, Department of Home, Government of U.P. & 3 Others
Case Number: Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No. 682 of 2026
Judges: Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Manjive Shukla
Decision Date: July 22, 2026
