₹82 Crores Allocated For Installation Of CCTVs In District Courts: Uttar Pradesh Informs SC In Suo Moto Case On Assault Of SCBA Members At Gautam Budh Nagar Court
The Supreme Court was hearing a suo motu matter of the alleged assault on two members of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) at the Gautam Budh Nagar District Court.

In the suo moto matter concerning the manhandling of Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia in the Gautam Budh Nagar District Court, today the State of Uttar Pradesh has informed the Supreme Court that Rs. 82 crores had been allocated for the installation of CCTVs in district courts, in an effort to enhance security and transparency.
The Bench of Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran heard the matter, expressing concern over the state of legal practice and professional conduct at district courts.
UP Government’s Submission
During the hearing, Additional Advocate General (AAG) Garima Prashad, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, informed the Court that Rs. 82 crores had been allocated for the installation of CCTVs in district courts in an effort to enhance security and transparency.
Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia’s Submissions
Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, appearing in the matter, highlighted larger systemic issues beyond the specific incident, stating:
1. Regular strikes by lawyers are disrupting judicial proceedings, with advocates being forced to abstain from court appearances.
2. In Gautam Budh Nagar, lawyers from other regions face discrimination, being labeled as “outsiders” when appearing before the district court.
3. Lawyers are attending court without proper attire, including the mandatory advocate’s bands.
3. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the Bar Association has not filed a response to the incidents mentioned.
Bhatia also pointed out that one of the assailants allegedly misbehaved with a female lawyer, yet no action has been taken despite the Bar Association being entrusted with the responsibility.
Court’s Directions
Taking a serious view of the matter, the Court issued a fresh notice to the President and Secretary of the Bar Association, warning that failure to appear before the Court would be viewed seriously.
Previous Hearings
On April 1, 2024, the Court had condemned the lack of functioning of CCTVs in the district court and issued notice to the State Government in this regard and also remarked that no lawyer can enter the court and ask another lawyer to leave on grounds of a strike.
The District Judge had submitted a report to the Court stating the reasons for the non-availability of the camera footage of the alleged incident.
The Supreme Court, previously, had taken note of the manhandling of Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia in the Gautam Budh Nagar District Court and issued notice to the President and Secretary of the Janpad Diwani Evam Faujdari Bar Association.
Senior Advocate Vikas Singh had mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, who directed the registration of a suo motu petition over the incident which took place in the district court where lawyers were on a strike. Singh told the Apex Court that lawyers allegedly misbehaved and snatched the collar band of Bhatia. A woman lawyer had also appeared before the bench and claimed that she was also manhandled in a different court while appearing in a matter.
The Apex Court had directed the District Judge, Gautam Budh Nagar to ensure that the CCTV footage of the incident is in safe custody pending further orders and also ordered that a report be submitted on the incident.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) had also condemned the misconduct of a lawyer in the Gautam Budh Nagar district court against Bhatia.
Cause Title: In Re: Assault On Two Members Of The Supreme Court Bar Association At District Court Complex, Gautam Budh Nagar [SMW(C) No. 3/2024]