Rajiv Menon KC, a former head of Garden Court Chambers, is facing contempt of court proceedings arising from a closing speech delivered during a criminal trial at Woolwich Crown Court in January 2026.
The proceedings concern submissions made by Mr Menon while representing pro-Palestinian activists accused of causing criminal damage at a factory in Filton, Bristol operated by Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest arms manufacturer.
According to a statement issued by Garden Court Chambers, the case is believed to be the first instance in English legal history in which a barrister has been prosecuted for contempt in connection with a closing speech to a jury in a criminal trial. The chambers further described the procedure adopted in pursuing the contempt allegation as “wholly novel and without historical precedent”.
Reporting restrictions had previously prevented publication of details concerning the proceedings, but those restrictions have now been lifted. Garden Court Chambers stated that it has supported Mr Menon throughout the litigation, including through attendance by members of chambers at hearings before the Royal Courts of Justice.
Mr Menon is separately represented by solicitors and leading counsel who have challenged both the jurisdictional basis and procedural propriety of the contempt proceedings. Judgment is currently awaited from the Court of Appeal (Civil Division).
In its statement, Garden Court Chambers expressed concern about the broader constitutional implications of the prosecution, warning of a potential “chilling effect” on the legal profession if barristers face criminal sanction for advocacy undertaken on behalf of clients in politically sensitive or controversial cases.
The chambers stated that such proceedings risk undermining public confidence in the ability of defendants to receive robust and committed legal representation in criminal trials.