‘Black day’: Judge recuses himself after alleged bid to influence court

Justice Krishan Pahal of the Allahabad High Court recused himself from hearing bail applications after an alleged attempt to contact him directly.

The court described the incident as a 'black day in the history of the court', citing interference with judicial independence.

The alleged attempt was made on behalf of Bhola Prasad, an accused in a codeine cough syrup smuggling case, after arguments concluded.

The court stressed that extra-judicial communication with a judge is incompatible with legal ethics and constitutional values.