The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticised members of the Bar in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly resorting to violence after a lawyer filed a bail application for toll plaza workers accused of assaulting an advocate.
While granting bail to the accused employees, the Court also ordered the transfer of the criminal proceedings from Barabanki to the Tis Hazari Courts in New Delhi to ensure a fair trial and legal representation.
Background of the Case
The case arose from an incident on January 14, 2026, at the Gotona Bara Toll Plaza on the Lucknow–Sultanpur Highway in Barabanki district.
According to the petitioners, they were contractual employees of M/s Skylark Infra Engineering Pvt. Ltd., posted at the toll plaza for toll collection duties.
A dispute reportedly broke out when an advocate allegedly refused to pay toll charges while passing through the plaza. The argument escalated into a physical altercation between the lawyer and the toll staff.
Following the incident, FIR No. 15/2026 was registered at Haidergarh Police Station, Barabanki, invoking multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The employees were arrested and remanded to judicial custody.
Before the Supreme Court, the petitioners claimed they were unable to secure legal representation in Barabanki because local lawyers had collectively resolved not to appear for them.
The situation escalated when an advocate, Manoj Shukla, filed a bail application on behalf of the accused despite the Bar Association’s decision.
According to the petitioners, members of the local Bar allegedly reacted violently. Reports suggested that furniture from the lawyer’s office was thrown outside and set on fire within the court premises.
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The petitioners argued that such acts created an atmosphere of fear that prevented lawyers from representing them. As a result, they approached the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeking bail and transfer of the trial outside Uttar Pradesh.
A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta expressed serious concern over the conduct of the lawyers involved.
The Court observed that the legal profession, traditionally regarded as noble, had been tarnished by acts of “hooliganism”.
The bench noted that while professional solidarity among lawyers is understandable, it cannot justify violence or intimidation against a colleague who chooses to represent an accused person.
The Court also emphasised that the right to legal representation is fundamental and any attempt to obstruct it undermines the justice system.
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The Supreme Court held that the continued detention of the toll workers for more than two months was unjustified, particularly when the incident appeared to be a minor altercation arising during the performance of their official duties.
The Court ordered that the petitioners be released on bail upon furnishing personal bonds to the satisfaction of the concerned Magistrate.
To ensure fairness in the proceedings, the Court directed that the entire case arising from the FIR be transferred to the Tis Hazari Courts in New Delhi.
Additionally, the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, was directed to ensure the safety of the accused and escort them to a secure location after their release.
The Court also urged the Bar Council of India to examine the conduct of the lawyers involved in the violent incident.
Case Title: Vishvjeet & Ors v State of Uttar Pradesh & Anr
Case Number: Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 109 of 2026
Judge: Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta
Decisioin Date: March 17, 2026
