The Madras High Court Bench here on Friday issued a notification announcing a blanket ban on erection of banners, flex boards, cut-outs, posters, holding placards or issuing pamphlets and organising demonstrations, processions or meetings inside, outside or around the court premises.
The notice issued by the Registrar (Administration) of the Bench also stated that no one would be permitted to remain inside the court complex before 8.30 a.m. and after 7 p.m. on court working days and that the main gates of the court should be opened and closed in accordance with the time mentioned in the notice.
Official memorandum
It said that the decision had been taken in accordance with an official memorandum, applicable to all court complexes in the State and Puducherry, issued by the Principal Seat of the High Court in Chennai, on Wednesday. Lawyers in the district court here confirmed that the Principal District Judge too had issued an identical notice on Friday.
Sources in the High Court said the move was taken to prevent the lawyers from erecting hoardings such as the one displayed outside the district court and the High Court Bench here on September 9 and 10 announcing a rally to condemn the judiciary for initiating contempt proceedings against two lawyers and warning it of releasing a list of corrupt judges.
Meeting held
In the meantime, members of Madurai Bench High Court Advocates Association conducted a meeting on Friday and decided to abide by a call given by Salem-based Federation of Bar Associations of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to abstain from the court proceedings on Monday demanding withdrawal of an order passed by Bar Council of India on Tuesday suspending 15 lawyers practising here.
