A lawyer was seen beating a woman with a stick outside a courthouse in India.

Footage shows the attorney holding the mother by her arm and paddling her as she tried to shield herself in Katihar Court in Bihar on October 31.

He kicked her leg and then hit her multiple times. She backed away and tried to flee, but he continued to follow her with attacks.

When she tried to hit his face in retaliation, the lawyer became annoyed and hit harder, finally prompting onlookers to intervene.

Witnesses said that before the lawyer attacked her, the two were arguing about a case.

A local police officer said an investigation had been launched into the incident.

However, the officer added the woman had not yet visited the station to make a complaint or give a formal statement.