MADURAI: In the wake of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) taking control over the security of the Madras High Court and its Bench in Madurai, Justice C S Karnan has requested the Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul to reconsider the stringent norms implemented on the court premises.
“I request you to reconsider the stringent rules and regulations and repose faith in the advocates, who serve you loyally and with subservience,” said Justice Karnan in a letter sent to the Chief Justice on Wednesday.
After deploying central security at the Madras High Court, the advocates, court and other Government staff and litigants are being frisked and the bags and food items they carry are also scanned.
Except the litigants, the others are associated with the judicial fraternity and they carry out judicial functions effectively, Justice Karnan said.
Stressing to protect their self-respect and dignity, Justice Karnan said that the advocates being an educated class become emotionally upset if rampant disregard is shown to them.
“Hence, any unprecedented treatment being shown to them can only bring about more revulsion,” Justice Karnan said.
Pointing out that a few of the learned advocates have the prospect of becoming judges in future, he opined that they need to be given respect and “unfettered” freedom. “I am of the firm conviction that all the learned advocates shouldering the judges in their day-to-day affairs of the court are given the laxity to act freely and restraining them could lead to acts more macabre,” said Karnan.
Describing the advocates as the eyes of the court, Justice Karnan said the lawyers should be considered accordingly since the Bar and the Bench share a fair amount of equanimity.