The Hindu : AIADMK lawyers gherao Advocate-General

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 20, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

AIADMK lawyers gherao Advocate-General

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI JUNE 19. The Madras High Court today witnessed unruly scenes when a group of AIADMK advocates barged into the room of the Advocate-General, N. R. Chandran, and gheraoed him, apparently demanding re-appointment of a party colleague as Government advocate.

According to Mr. Chandran, the drama had its genesis in a similar disturbance yesterday when M. Vijayakumar of the AIADMK entered his room and wanted to be recommended for the post. (Mr. Vijayakumar was removed from the post more than 18 months ago). When the AG asked the lawyer to leave the room after a prolonged verbal exchange, Mr. Vijayakumar was said to have attempted to assault the AG. However, junior lawyers came to his rescue, resulting in a scuffle.

Immediately after the fracas, the party lawyer registered a complaint with the Madras High Court Advocates Association demanding action against, L.G. Sahadevan, a junior of Mr. Chandran. (After today's incidents, Mr. Sahadevan also preferred a complaint with the association).

Today, Mr. Vijayakumar was said to have gone to the AG chamber accompanied by about 15 advocates. As the AG's chamber did not have any security, the group barged into the room again and argued with him. When the situation threatened to go out of control and ransacking of the room looked imminent, the MHAA president, S. Prabakaran, and an AIADMK advocate, D. Selvam, prevailed upon the agitated lawyers to leave.

Later, Mr. Chandran told reporters that it was unfortunate that the issue of appointment or removal of government advocates was being politicised. The executive committee of the MHAA, which is scheduled to discuss the matter on Friday, will strive for a compromise, say the association sources.

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