The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has issued a show cause notice to Advocate Balraj Singh Malik over his alleged conduct towards its President and Senior Advocate Pradeep Kumar Rai, asking him to explain why he should not be suspended or expelled from the Association.

The notice, dated October 13 and accessed by Bar & Bench, was issued by SCBA Honorary Secretary Pragya Baghel. It states that the SCBA Executive Committee considered a complaint against Malik and found a prima facie case against him.

The action follows a confrontation on the Supreme Court lawns on Monday, a video of which has since gone viral on social media.

According to the notice, the SCBA President and members of the Executive Committee had gathered on the lawns around 1:15 PM to express solidarity with fellow advocates who were allegedly beaten during the protest on October 10.

“The President has been subjected to unparliamentary language and intimidation during media interviews. The incident has been widely circulated on social media and national news channels,” the notice states.

The SCBA has also referred to a WhatsApp message allegedly sent by Malik in which he purportedly described an Executive Committee member as “dalal” (broker).

Emphasising that its office-bearers are elected representatives, the notice states that the alleged conduct raises concerns under Rule 35 of the Association.

“The President and members of the Executive Committee are elected representatives of the Association and decisions of the Committee are taken by majority. The alleged improper conduct and language towards them raise serious concerns under Rule 35,” it states.

Malik has been given seven days to submit a written explanation. The notice warns that failure to respond may lead to further action, including possible suspension or expulsion from the Association.

The development comes amid tensions over the police action against lawyers on October 10. The SCBA has approached the Supreme Court alleging that advocates walking near the Court premises were manhandled, forcibly detained and taken several kilometres away during the police crackdown on anti-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) protesters.

The lawyers were released after a representation was made to the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

In its plea, the SCBA has sought a status report on the police action, including details of the detentions and the identities of the police officers involved.