In a significant judicial development, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has expressed strong displeasure over the forcible arrest of an accused by police officers inside a courtroom without obtaining judicial permission. The incident occurred at the Pattikonda Magistrate Court in Kurnool district.
The accused, Shivayya from Degulapadu village in Chippagiri mandal, had faced charges related to ganja cultivation and had a case registered at Chippagiri Police Station. On December 24, 2025, he appeared in court intending to surrender through his advocate. While the matter was pending, police personnel—reportedly in mufti—entered the courtroom without obtaining permission from the presiding judge or court authorities.
The Pattikonda Bar Association, represented by its General Secretary G Bhaskar, filed a petition in the High Court last week seeking action against police officers for alleged high-handed and unlawful conduct in a courtroom, terming it a violation of court protocol and contempt of court. Hearing the matter on Tuesday, Justice Y Lakshman Rao questioned how police could act without a judge’s consent and asked whether such actions would be attempted in the High Court, expressing concerns about normalizing such behaviour in lower courts.
The court sought details of action taken against the officers, including transfers or suspensions. Assistant Government Pleader told the court that charge memos had been issued and disciplinary proceedings initiated following a report from the magistrate to the district SP. However, the judge remarked sceptically on claims of action.
The High Court directed the DGP, Kurnool Range DIG, and Kurnool DCP to file detailed counters. The hearing was adjourned by two weeks.
