Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

Action against advocates' outfit chief sought

By Our Staff Reporter

MADURAI, JULY 3. The Madurai High Court Advocates Association today sought action against the president of the Madras High Court Advocates Association, Prabhakaran, and others who had allegedly assaulted members of the Tiruchi Bar Association.

In a statement, its secretary, K.P. Thiyagarajan, said the general body of the MAHAA, which met here today, resolved to request the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court and the Director General of Police to take action against the advocates. Besides, the association urged the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu to initiate disciplinary action against them.

Condemning the "unlawful" activities of the Chennai advocates on the premises of the Madras High Court, the association urged them not to create "unnecessary" problems and divide the advocate community and to withdraw boycott of courts.

The association office-bearers would meet advocates of all bar associations within the jurisdiction of the High Court Bench in Madurai and appreciate their efforts taken for the establishment of the Bench.

Demonstration

More than 100 advocates staged a demonstration in front of the High Court Bench buildings at Ulaganeri near Madurai on Friday.

They raised slogans against the Madras High Court Advocates' Association that is agitating, questioning the territorial jurisdiction of the Madurai Bench. The advocates demanded the inauguration of the Bench as per schedule. The Democratic Lawyers' Federation called the agitation.

Behaviour condemned

While the Madurai Bar Association convened an urgent meeting to condemn the attack and seek stern action against those responsible for the "uncivilised" behaviour, bar associations in southern districts conveyed their anguish.

Telegrams were sent to the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary, the Home Secretary, the Director-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police (Chennai) demanding action against those responsible.

"The senior members were attacked when they were waiting in front of the Chief Justice's Chamber to submit a memorandum. We request the Chief Justice, B. Subashan Reddy, to initiate an appropriate action," the MBA president, K. Vellaichamy, told The Hindu .

The Indian Association of Lawyers' secretary, K. Samidurai, condemned the "unruly" conduct and called for a stringent action against those involved in the attack. "The assault that took place on the High Court premises would set a bad precedent if not dealt with severely," he said.

The Lawyers for Human Rights joint secretary, R. Gandhi, described the attack as a jolt to the unity among advocates in the State. "Such incidents will bring down the dignity and reputation of the profession," he added.

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