The Allahabad High Court has ordered the immediate eviction of two lawyers from Chamber No. 31 in the Lucknow District Court premises for allegedly running a ‘Vivah Kendra’ (Marriage Centre) under the guise of a legal consultancy. The chamber, operating under the name Brahmastra Legal Associates, was reportedly being used to conduct questionable marriage ceremonies and issue marriage certificates through a trust named Pragatisheel Hindu Samaj Nyas.
The matter surfaced during a habeas corpus petition hearing where startling irregularities came to light. A bench comprising Justice Sangeeta Chandra and Justice Brij Raj Singh passed two back-to-back orders on Tuesday, highlighting grave misuse of court infrastructure and legal procedures.
Habeas Corpus Petition Triggers Uncovering of Dubious Marriage Setup
The controversy unfolded when the court took up a habeas corpus writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution by Arun Kumar Yadav and Shivani Yadav. They sought protection from police harassment, submitting a marriage certificate issued by the trust. The document claimed the marriage was solemnized at the aforementioned chamber.
However, in a dramatic twist, the counsel representing Shivani Yadav stated that she had not married Arun and continued to live with her parents. She also denied signing any vakalatnama or affidavit for the case. This contradiction led the court to immediately involve local police authorities and the District Judge to verify the authenticity of the claims.
An urgent inspection was carried out by the SHO and officials from the District Court infrastructure committee. The chamber was found to be decorated with buntings and garlands, suggesting recent marriage activities. Signboards with contact numbers of two lawyers—Raghvendra Mishra Hindu and Vipin Chaurasia—were also prominently displayed.
Court Orders Eviction, Initiates Criminal Proceedings and Suo Motu PIL
Upon inspection, it was revealed that advocate Raghvendra Mishra admitted to performing marriage ceremonies in the chamber. While rituals including presence of a purohit and photography were being conducted, the court observed the absence of any sacred fire (havan), casting doubt on whether Saptapadi, a fundamental part of Hindu marriages, had occurred.
Alarmed by these findings, the High Court took a stern view. It ordered the immediate vacating of the chamber, removal of signage, and directed the local police to assist in forcible eviction if needed. The bench also referred the matter to a Division Bench for initiation of a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding what it described as “unsavoury activities” within the court campus.
Furthermore, the Court found that the vakalatnama and affidavit submitted by Arun Kumar Yadav were false. Consequently, it ordered criminal proceedings under Sections 340 and 195 of the CrPC to be initiated against him, with the matter being referred to the competent Magistrate for action.
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A Stern Message Against Court Premises Misuse
The Allahabad High Court’s swift action sends a clear message against the misuse of judicial infrastructure for personal or commercial gain. The case highlights the critical need for oversight within court premises and sets a precedent for dealing with unauthorized activities that compromise the sanctity of the legal system. Authorities have been directed to act with urgency, and further legal proceedings are expected to unravel the full extent of the malpractice.