The Madras High Court on Friday expressed its displeasure over the behaviour of a section of advocates in the past couple of days in the matter relating to filling of vacancies in the High Court. Chief Justice S.K. Kaul, who comprised the First Bench with Justice M.M. Sundresh, orally observed during the course of arguments on a writ petition that he was anguished over such behaviour.
The petition challenged a part of the G.O. of 2009 relating to the shifting of Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College here. The petitioner said the institution should not be shifted in the interest of the students. When arguments on the matter resumed, it veered round to issues including inadequate number of teachers in the law college here, and how law institutions in the country, in general, were not adequately equipped and the quality of education. “Quality of law education is a matter of concern throughout the country,” the Chief Justice observed. He requested counsel to persuade the Bar Council to take steps so that the requirements are fulfilled and students got quality education. These were larger issues to be discussed in the interest of students, he said.
During the course of arguments, the Chief Justice observed that lawyers should behave properly and there was mode and manner in which they could seek redress of their grievances. The system should not be destroyed. “Somebody wants to meet me. How many times I have to meet them?” he said, apparently referring to the advocates association’s grievance that he did not meet the office-bearers when they wanted an audience in the matter pertaining to vacancies of judges. If he was to keep meeting advocates alone, he would not be able to do any judicial work. Again in an apparent reference to lawyers shouting slogans inside the First Court hall, he said despite the provocation, the Bench went on with its work and he dictated orders. If law students witnessed such scenes inside the court hall, what impression would they get, he asked. Lawyers should introspect over their behaviour. Mr. Justice Kaul said that such behaviour of lawyers “is a deterrent to good people to come to the Bench.” Referring to the shouting of slogans that he should go to Delhi, he said he was prepared to go.
He thought he could make an endeavour in filling the vacancies.
Later, the petition was dismissed as withdrawn and liberty was granted to the petitioner to file an appropriate application.
“Quality of law education is a matter of concern throughout the country”
