Allahabad High Court Frames Contempt Charges Over WhatsApp Message Against Judge

The Allahabad High Court has framed criminal contempt charges against Krishna Kumar Pandey for circulating a WhatsApp message accusing Additional District Judge Vijay Kumar Katiyar of Basti of corruption and misconduct.

A bench of Justices JJ Munir and Pramod Kumar Srivastava noted that the message, shared widely among lawyers, scandalised the judiciary and lowered the court’s authority. Finding a prima facie case, the Court initiated contempt proceedings.

Pandey, who is not a lawyer, denied the allegations and chose to defend himself. The matter will be heard on October 9, 2025.