Bangalore: Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court Cyriac Joseph has urged B.D. Hiremath, president of Dharwad Advocates Association, that the High Court had decided not to meet representatives of the association when the advocates were on strike and boycotted courts.

The Chief Justice said he was sympathetic to the genuine problems of lawyers and these included action taken to set up Circuit Bench in Dharwad and Gulbarga, even without any request from the Bar.

Delay

There was delay in setting up the Circuit Bench, only because of time taken to finalise building plans and the tender process for contracting their construction.

But the association had unilaterally declared a strike and started boycotting the courts. The association did not even discuss the issue before calling for a strike, he said.

Supreme Court ruling

"You may have a genuine problem and are entitled to press your demands. But strike and boycotting of courts is not an acceptable form of protest, particularly in view of the judgment of the Supreme Court in 2003 declaring such strikes were not only illegal but professional misconduct," the Chief Justice said.

While he was committed to establish the Circuit Bench, if he were to hold any discussions with the lawyers now, it would be seen as approving and condoning an act declared illegal by the Supreme Court. Any talks could be held after the strike was called off, he added.

Appointment sought

Dharwad Advocates' Association president B.D. Hiremath on Monday said he had handed over a letter to the office of the Karnataka High Court Chief Justice seeking an appointment with him to explain the reasons and the rationale of advocates in north Karnataka going on strike.

The advocates in north Karnataka had gone on strike demanding setting up of Circuit Bench of the High Court at Dharwad and Gulbarga. At a function in Bangalore a few days ago, the Chief Justice had taken exception to the strike and warned the advocates against such acts.

Mr. Hiremath said he had come to Bangalore to meet the Chief Justice and apprise him of the situation. He said although the High Court had approved the setting up of the Bench long ago, the Government had been delaying infrastructure development for it.

The High Court discussed the issues, including the strike by the advocates, at a meeting of the full court.

Meanwhile, sources in the Government said the file pertaining to the establishment of the Benches was with the Public Works Department and that the High Court had approved the design of the new structures.

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