CHENNAI: IN A new twist to the ongoing protests by lawyers against the amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961, the Madras High Court Advocates Association (MHAA) has called for an indefinte strike. Significantly, a decision to this effect was taken in the absence of association president R C Paul Kanakaraj who is against any form of agitation that disrupts functioning of courts.
An extraordinary meeting of MHAA on Monday has decided the boycott until the demand for withdrawal of the amendments made to the Act, are made.
Association Vice President K Gini Manuel and secretary Arivalagan, who presided over the meeting, said a decision was taken to abstain from all courts and tribunals indefinitely from June 28, demanding the unconditional withdrawal of newly amendments to Advocates Act.
The meeting also resolved to conduct a Rail Roko on June 29 at Chennai railway station at 10.30 am.Copies of the ‘draconian’ rules are to be burnt on July 1 before the court’s Aavin gate.
It has also demanded the Bar Ccouncils of India, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to revoke forthwith the suspension of the advocates, numbering about more than 40, facing disciplinary proceedings on various charges. Speaking to Express, MHAA chief Paul Kanakaraj clarified that he was not a party to the alleged resolution.
Chief Justice SK Kaul, in an unusual interview, as well as the full court had assured that no penal action would be taken against the agitating advocates till their representations are considered by the Rules Committee. The Bar Council of TN and Puducherry had also extended a helping hand. So, is the strike really necessary?