While the Madras High Court has initiated suo moto contempt proceedings against G S Desingu, president of the Debt Recovery Tribunal’s Bar Association, the body has now called for an extraordinary general meeting to discuss the letter of the presiding officer (PO) which accused Desingu of trying to influence orders.
Express had reported earlier this month that Jacob R Daniel, presiding officer of DRT II, had written an open letter to the bar association on June 26, accusing Desingu of trying to get favourable orders for cases in which he appeared in. Daniel claimed he resisted the pressure after which Desingu got cases shifted to DRT I and DRT III and tried the same ploy with the officers there.
Following this, a group of lawyers represented to the acting Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, R K Agrawal, and sought action on the issue. This resulted in the court initiating suo motu contempt proceedings against Desingu.
While the High Court is seized of the matter, sources said the association has called for an extraordinary general meeting on Friday to discuss the PO’s letter.
“Some of us did communicate that such a meeting could also be construed as contempt of court as the matter is now officially sub-judice,” said a lawyer who wished anonymity.
The letter was signed by the secretary of the association and was stuck on the notice board at the DRT.
However, it is not clear if Desingu will participate in the meeting.