Patna: The proposed boycott of judicial proceedings by lawyers at the Patna High Court on May 11 has been withdrawn following intervention by the Bar Council of India.
The decision was taken during an emergency meeting of the Coordination Committee representing the High Court’s three advocates’ associations on Saturday.
BCI Cites Supreme Court Rulings
According to committee members, the move came after the Bar Council of India sent a letter stating that abstaining from judicial work or boycotting court proceedings would amount to a violation of established Supreme Court rulings.
The BCI reportedly acknowledged that advocates’ grievances could be legitimate, but said disputes should be addressed through peaceful dialogue, demonstrations or discussions with the Chief Justice rather than disruption of court proceedings.
The letter further stated that suspending professional duties or disregarding litigants’ interests was legally impermissible.
‘Advocates Are Officers Of The Court’
The Bar Council also stressed that advocates, as officers of the court, could not justify disruption of judicial functioning on the basis of professional grievances.
Following discussions, the Coordination Committee resolved that all advocates would participate in court proceedings as usual on May 11.
The committee clarified that associations remained free to pursue dialogue with the Chief Justice regarding pending concerns, but court functioning must not be obstructed.
Warning Against Disruption
The committee additionally warned that disciplinary action would be initiated against any individual attempting to disrupt judicial work or prevent advocates from attending court proceedings.
The development comes days after tensions escalated between sections of the bar and bench over allegations of discourteous conduct by some judges and restrictions imposed on vehicle entry inside the High Court premises.
