The resolution of the Advocates Association of Bangalore calling upon the legal fraternity to abstain from attending the courts in Bangalore on Monday has reached the portals of the Karnataka High Court.
The association had passed the resolution following the decision of the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, P.D. Dinakaran, to preside over court proceedings. The association had felt that it would be better if the Chief Justice did not sit till his name was cleared of all allegations of encroachment of land and corruption.
A resident of Bangalore, D. Gundappa, on Friday challenged the association’s decision asking the legal fraternity to refrain from attending proceedings in the High Court, District and Sessions Court, Magistrate Court, Traffic Courts at Mayo Hall and even tribunals.
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In his petition, Mr. Gundappa said the Supreme Court had clearly stated that advocates could not go on strike or take a decision against attending court work. He said the resolution was illegal and uncalled for. He said litigants would suffer in case advocates boycotted work.
He urged the court to direct the association to rescind the resolution or call off the boycott.
Justice Ajit Gunjal said the case was more in the nature of public interest litigation and asked the High Court Registry to post it before a Bench hearing public interest cases.
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Special sitting
The Karnataka High Court will hold a special sitting on Saturday to discuss a petition challenging a resolution of the association. It is rare for the High Court to take up the issue of boycott of courts by advocates.