A group of lawyers manhandled journalists in a crowded court room here on Friday.

The violence occurred despite a formal assurance from the High Court Chief Justice that journalists could report court proceedings unimpeded. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also personally guaranteed the important freedom. However, their promises carried scarce weight in the District Court here, if the day’s events were any indication.

The journalists had turned up in the court of Inquiry Commissioner and Special Judge A. Baharudeen to report the proceedings in a complaint of corruption and nepotism against Industries Minister E.P. Jayarajan. When the case came up for hearing, a pack of lawyers elbowed their way to the front of the courtroom and threatened the journalists with assault.