A division bench of Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice Sanjay Kumar on Tuesday again expressed their anguish over the Bar Council of India not being able to finalize the norms for disciplinary action against lawyers going on strike. The bench said that it is left with no option but to directly impose punishment on the lawyers guilty of boycotting the work of the court.
When the counsel for BCI Ardhendumauli Kumar Prasad sought more time to file a detailed affidavit incorporating the suggestions of the State Bar Councils in the matter, Justice Maheshwari remarked, "You have to take it seriously. If the members of the Bar Council of India cannot see the urgency [in this matter], then we will have to appoint another body. Harish Uppal (2002) was held by this Court when, Sir? And where are we now? You are the responsible body, sir. You should take action if anything of this sort has happened."
The Court then adjourned the matter to 17th April 2023, and asked the BCI to disclose whether the State Bar Councils were creating any hurdles.
These observations of the Division bench came while hearing a contempt petition filed by NGO Common Cause, seeking action against lawyers who boycotted court work.
Case Details:-
CONMT.PET.(C) No.550/2015 In W.P.(C) No.821/1990
COMMON CAUSE
VERSUS
ABHIJAT & ORS.
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