Questions grow over fairness, due process and whether accusations alone now justify public punishment before any court has examined evidence.
BARABANKI — Scenes of chaos unfolded at the registry office in Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday when a group of lawyers set fire to the table and chair of a fellow advocate following his arrest in a prostitution and alleged religious conversion case.
The accused advocate, identified as Zafar Hayat, was arrested after police in Lucknow detained his brother, Qamar Hayat Idrisi, in connection with alleged illegal activities linked to a spa centre. Soon after news of the arrest reached Barabanki, angry lawyers gathered inside the court premises.
According to witnesses, petrol was poured on furniture inside the advocate’s chamber and it was set alight. Slogans were raised as smoke spread through the office. Police personnel present at the scene did not immediately intervene.
One lawyer who was present at the scene said, “We were shocked by the allegations. Many felt angry and betrayed.”
However, others questioned whether such action was justified. A senior advocate, requesting anonymity, said, “Even if the charges are serious, punishment is decided by a court of law. We cannot allow anger to replace procedure.”
Police in Lucknow’s Gomti Nagar police station have alleged that a network operated under the cover of a spa centre. The FIR claims that young women from Delhi, Amethi and Barabanki were lured through social media in 2021.
According to the police version, the women were allegedly called to Lucknow on the promise of employment. They were taken to a café where sexual assault was allegedly committed and recorded. Police say the recordings were later used to blackmail the women and force them into prostitution. The investigation also includes allegations of religious conversion.
A police officer involved in the case said, “The investigation is ongoing. We have arrested one accused and are looking for others. Evidence is being examined.”
The officer declined to comment on the incident inside the Barabanki court premises.
Members of the local Muslim community have expressed concern over both the allegations and the violent reaction by lawyers.
A relative of the accused said, “These are only allegations at this stage. How can someone be punished before the court has even heard the case? Burning his chamber sends a message that Muslims are guilty before trial.”
Another community member stated, “If lawyers themselves start giving punishment outside court, what faith will ordinary people have in justice?”
Some residents questioned the police narrative. “If such serious crimes were happening since 2021, why did no complaint come earlier?” asked a local social worker. “The investigation must be transparent and fair.”
Others argued that religion should not be added without clear proof. “If crimes were committed, they must be punished,” said a cleric from the area. “But linking it immediately to conversion creates tension. The law must speak through evidence.”
Legal experts say the incident raises serious concerns.
A retired district judge, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The right to presumption of innocence is basic. An accused person is not a convict. Violence inside court premises is deeply worrying.”
He added, “Lawyers are officers of the court. If they act outside the law, it weakens the system.”
Human rights activists have also called for an inquiry into the burning of the chamber. “This is not just about one advocate,” said a rights campaigner in Lucknow. “It is about whether court premises are safe spaces for justice.”
Barabanki has witnessed heated debates over cases involving allegations of religious conversion in recent years. Several Muslim families say that in many instances, arrests are followed by strong public reactions before evidence is fully examined.
A local shopkeeper said, “These days, once someone is accused, especially if he is Muslim, public anger rises quickly. The trial happens in the street before the courtroom.”
Police have not announced any action against those who allegedly set fire to the chamber.
The investigation into the alleged prostitution and conversion network continues. Police say more arrests may follow. The accused are expected to be produced before the court.
Meanwhile, legal observers say the incident inside the registry office may require separate action.
As one advocate put it quietly, “If we start deciding guilt by shouting slogans and burning furniture, then what is left of the law?”
For many in Barabanki, the question remains whether justice will be decided by evidence in a courtroom — or by anger outside it.
