Patna HC Bar Associations Protest Against Judges, Announce Abstention From Work On May 11

Patna: The standoff between judges and lawyers at the Patna High Court in Bihar has escalated. The Bar Association has announced a boycott of judicial work, accusing the High Court judges of disrespectful behavior. Amidst growing tension between the bar and the bench in the Patna High Court, the Coordination Committee of the three Bar Associations of the High Court has decided to abstain from judicial work indefinitely on May 11.

Where was the decision taken?

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the coordination committee of the three advocates' associations on Friday. 

The meeting of the lawyers took place at the Patna High Court on Friday. An emergency meeting called in protest against the notice unanimously decided to boycott work on May 11. 

In a statement, which was issued on Friday, the Coordination Committee of Three Associations of the Patna High Court urged members of the bar to refrain from professional duties from 10:30 am onwards on May 11 to express their anger over the alleged conduct of judges.

The resolution is signed by Patna High Court Bar Association President Sanjay Kumar Singh, Secretary Mukesh Kant, Advocates Association President and Coordination Committee Chairman Yogesh Chandra Verma, General Secretary Jai Shankar Prasad Singh, Lawyers Association Vice President SN Singh, and General Secretary Rajiv Kumar Singh.

What is there in the notice?

The notice issued by the Registrar General on May 7 pertained to restricting the entry of lawyers’ vehicles into the high court premises.

The earlier facility given to advocates, doctors, employees and other beneficiaries to take their vehicles beyond the barrier within the court premises was withdrawn with immediate effect. 

The notice stated that those concerned would now have to park their vehicles at designated parking spaces near gates 2 and 3 and use battery-operated carts. Only official court vehicles and the Advocate General's vehicle were permitted inside the barrier.

The notice issued by the Registrar General on May 7 pertained to restricting the entry of lawyers’ vehicles into the high court premises.

What is the reason of this decision?

The committee has expressed serious displeasure with the conduct of judges, stating that in recent times, the treatment of lawyers in many courts has been inconsistent with judicial dignity and professional etiquette. The resolution stated that the behavior of some judges during court proceedings has been inappropriate and disrespectful. 

The committee said that the situation has become such that young advocates as well as senior advocates are feeling uncomfortable in appearing before the judges.