In a sharp crackdown on misuse of court premises, the Allahabad High Court on Tuesday ordered the eviction of two advocates operating a ‘Vivah Kendra’ (marriage centre) from a lawyer’s chamber in the old CSC building of the Lucknow District Court Campus.

A bench of Justice Sangeeta Chandra and Justice Brij Raj Singh passed two strongly worded orders—one before and one after lunch—following startling revelations during the hearing of a habeas corpus petition under Article 226 of the Constitution.

The case was filed by Arun Kumar Yadav and Shivani Yadav, seeking protection from harassment after claiming to have married by mutual consent. They submitted a marriage certificate issued by Pragatisheel Hindu Samaj Nyas, citing Chamber No. 31, Brahmastra Legal Associates as the place of marriage.

However, in a dramatic turn, counsel for petitioner Shivani Yadav informed the court that she had not married Arun Kumar Yadav, had not signed any vakalatnama, and continued to reside with her parents. The petition was allegedly filed without her knowledge.

Shocked by the irregularities, the Court directed the SHO and Deputy Commissioner of Police to inspect the chamber and file a same-day report. The District Judge was also instructed to send officials to photograph the premises.

The post-lunch report revealed that the chamber bore the names of advocates Raghvendra Mishra Hindu and Vipin Chaurasia, with their mobile numbers painted on the door. Mishra admitted to conducting wedding ceremonies in the chamber, complete with photography and floral decorations.

Photos submitted to the Court showed evidence of recent or ongoing ceremonies, though the absence of a fire pit raised doubts over the performance of Saptapadi, a key Hindu wedding ritual. Another marriage certificate (of a different couple) was also recovered from the chamber.

The Court expressed grave concern over how a trust like Pragatisheel Hindu Samaj Nyas could operate under the garb of a legal firm and issue marriage certificates from a chamber meant strictly for legal work.

Calling it a "misuse of space reserved for advocates", the Court ordered:

• Immediate eviction of the chamber occupants;

• Removal of signage related to Brahmastra Legal Associates and Pragatisheel Hindu Samaj Nyas within two days;

• SHO Wazeerganj to assist forcibly if required.

Additionally, the Court directed initiation of proceedings under Sections 340 and 195 CrPC against Arun Kumar Yadav, for allegedly filing a false affidavit and vakalatnama. The matter was referred to the concerned magistrate.

Deeming the episode serious enough to warrant systemic intervention, the High Court also referred the matter to a Division Bench for suo motu PIL, to address broader irregularities in the functioning of the Lucknow district judiciary premises.

The habeas corpus petition was dismissed.