Chandigarh, August 29
In less than 24 hours after the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association unanimously resolved to boycott the court of the High Court Chief Justice for restoring work to three Judges, the lawyers did not appear before him to argue their cases.
Though the Chief Justice, Mr Arun B. Saharya, was present, the lawyers entered the courtroom only for requesting him to fix matters, urgent in nature, for hearing today itself. A few lawyers, not members of the Bar Association, did appear before the Chief Justice as “they were not bound by the resolution”.
High Court lawyers, on condition of anonymity, revealed that hearing on their petitions was politely adjourned by the Chief Justice, in most of the cases, for Monday. As a matter of fact, the Chief Justice himself requested the lawyers appearing before him to abide by the resolution.
The lawyers also boycotted the visit of the Chief Justice of India to the city. Bar Association members confirmed that they had initially planned to throw a tea party, but the programme was shelved due to their resolution to boycott his visit.
The Chief Justice of India, Mr Justice
B. N. Kirpal, meanwhile, arrived in the city and at about 5.30 pm and went to Punjab Raj Bhavan. A “private dinner” was also thrown in his honour by the Punjab Governor Lieut-Gen J.F.R. Jacob (retd). Mediapersons were not allowed.
