MADURAI: The Madras High Court has strongly cautioned advocates against indulging in court boycotts for flimsy or personal reasons, stating that such actions severely affect the justice delivery system. Emphasising the advocates’ role as officers of the court, a division bench comprising Justice S M Subramaniam and Justice A D Maria Clete observed that lawyers have a duty to uphold the interests of litigants and the dignity of the judiciary.
The court was hearing a petition filed by R Jim, who sought disciplinary action against office bearers of the Tirunelveli Bar Association, accusing them of frequently staging boycotts and inconveniencing the public seeking justice.
While the judges acknowledged the seriousness of the concern, they noted that the petitioner failed to produce specific evidence of misconduct or illegality by the association’s office bearers. In such cases, the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry cannot take action without a formal complaint detailing the alleged violations.
However, the bench recorded the petitioner’s willingness to file a detailed complaint and directed that if such a specific grievance is received, the Bar Council must proceed under the provisions of the Advocates Act, 1961, and relevant rules, including those framed by the Bar Council of India.
The court then disposed of the petition, reiterating the importance of maintaining court decorum and protecting litigants’ rights.