By Rajesh Pandey
In a major directive aimed at reinforcing ethical standards within the legal fraternity, the Allahabad High Court has ordered the Uttar Pradesh Police to promptly provide comprehensive details of all criminal cases pending against advocates registered with the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh.
The report is to be submitted in a tabulated format.
The order was issued by Justice Vinod Diwakar while hearing a petition filed by Etawah-based advocate Mohammad Kafeel, who had challenged a district court’s refusal to summon police officials in a complaint case.
During the proceedings, the court noted significant concerns arising from the petitioner’s criminal background.
After reviewing affidavits and case records, the court observed:
Upon examining the affidavits, it is admitted that the petitioner is involved in three criminal cases, and all his brothers have been identified as hardened criminals.
Therefore, this Court finds it necessary to evaluate how the petitioner’s involvement in criminal proceedings may affect his professional integrity and whether such conduct could hinder his capacity to perform his duties fairly and credibly within the judicial system.”
Court Issues Extensive Directions
Justice Diwakar directed that all Commissioners, SSPs, and SPs in Uttar Pradesh—through the Director General of Police (DGP)—along with all Joint Directors (Prosecution) and Special Public Prosecutors, shall furnish detailed information regarding criminal cases pending against advocates.
Officers may provide supplementary information if they deem it necessary to fulfil the objective of transparency and accountability.
The court permitted the information to be submitted in a sealed cover, either directly before the Bench or through the Registrar General. The directive was issued in the order dated November 26, 2025.
Concerns Over Advocates With Criminal Antecedents
The court expressed serious concern over the impact of advocates with criminal backgrounds on the functioning of the judiciary. It noted:
“This Court has observed that the functioning of the district judiciary has, on several occasions—though not always—been adversely affected due to the conduct of certain advocates with criminal antecedents.
It has further come to notice that in many districts, such advocates even occupy influential positions within bar associations despite facing serious charges.”
The bench emphasised that public trust is fundamental to the legal system, stating:
“The strength of the legal system arises not just from statutory frameworks and judicial precedents, but from the moral authority derived from public confidence in its fairness and integrity.
Advocates and bar office-bearers hold a unique institutional role as officers of the court and custodians of legal ethics.”
Details Required in the Report
The High Court directed that the information must include, among other things:
- Date of FIR and crime number
- Relevant penal sections
- Name of the police station
- Status of investigation and date of completion (if concluded)
- Date of filing of the charge sheet
- Date of framing of charges
- Number and details of prosecution witnesses examined, along with the the trial’s current status.
The matter will be further reviewed after submission of the report.
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