The Allahabad High Court has sentenced advocate Ashok Pande to six months in jail in connection with a 2021 contempt of court case.

The division bench comprising Justices Vivek Chaudhary and BR Singh noted that Pande appeared before the court on August 18, 2021, without a lawyer’s robe and with his shirt unbuttoned, a serious breach of courtroom decorum.

Citing the gravity of the misconduct, Pande’s previous record, and his continued non-cooperation in the proceedings, the bench observed that "exemplary punishment is warranted." In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a fine of ₹2,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional month of imprisonment.

Pande has been directed to surrender before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Lucknow, within four weeks.

The court also issued a show-cause notice to Pande, asking why he should not be barred from practicing in the Allahabad High Court and its Lucknow bench. He has been given until May 1 to respond.

The contempt proceedings were initiated suo motu after Pande not only appeared in improper attire but also allegedly misbehaved with the bench, reportedly referring to the judges as "goondas" when questioned about his appearance.

The court noted that Pande had been given several opportunities to respond to the charges but failed to do so.

The bench further highlighted Pande’s history of misconduct, including a prior incident in 2017, when he was barred from entering the high court premises for two years