Apprentice lawyer injured after judge throws paperweight in courtroom

An apprentice lawyer was injured after a judge allegedly threw a paperweight during court proceedings at the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Gopalganj, prompting criticism from members of the local legal community.

The incident occurred on Wednesday in the courtroom of Second Chief Judicial Magistrate Sujon Mia, where proceedings were underway when a disturbance reportedly broke out among people present inside the courtroom.

The injured apprentice lawyer, Sabiha Sultana, suffered a head injury and was taken to Gopalganj Medical College Hospital, where she received treatment.

Public Prosecutor and General Secretary of the Gopalganj District Bar Association, Advocate MA Alam Selim, confirmed that the incident had taken place and said that it had been formally brought to the attention of the chief judicial magistrate.

According to lawyers who were present, the judge repeatedly instructed those in the courtroom to remain quiet after noise disrupted the hearing. Witnesses alleged that when the commotion continued, the judge became frustrated and threw a paperweight from the bench. The object reportedly struck Sabiha Sultana on the forehead.

People inside the courtroom immediately assisted the injured apprentice lawyer before paramedics took her to hospital.

The incident has drawn strong reactions from members of the district bar, with several lawyers expressing concern over what they described as unacceptable conduct inside a courtroom.

Advocate Khadija Khanam Lipi, who said she was presenting a case at the time, claimed that conversations among people at the rear of the courtroom interrupted the hearing despite repeated requests for silence.

She alleged that the judge eventually threw the paperweight, which hit the trainee lawyer directly. Lipi further claimed that lawyers had previously expressed concerns about the judge’s behaviour while conducting proceedings.

Another lawyer, Advocate Sohag Samajdar, alleged that the judge had behaved discourteously towards members of the legal profession on earlier occasions.

He said the latest incident had intensified concerns within the local bar association after an apprentice lawyer sustained injuries during court proceedings.

No public statement from Judicial Magistrate Sujon Mia regarding the allegations was immediately available.

It also remains unclear whether any formal inquiry or administrative action will follow the incident. Meanwhile, the matter has been referred to the chief judicial magistrate for consideration.