Lawyer Apologizes For Sending Emails To Registry Saying Justice Oka Shouldn't Hear His Case

The Supreme Court today (September 9) accepted an unconditional apology from an advocate, who had sent an email to the court stating that he does not want Justice Abhay S. Oka to hear his case. 

A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih questioned why the advocate has yet to withdraw the original email although he has tendered an apology. 

Justice Oka said: "Now you have expressed regret for sending the email. But that original email is not withdrawn that I should not hear this case. You make up your mind. Are you going to withdraw that or you don't want to withdraw."

The lawyer submitted that he would withdraw the email and therefore, the Court directed him to file an affidavit in this regard.

Justice Oka added: "You have expressed regret for sending an email and again your client has sent a long email. How can you continue representing him and how can you keep on sending emails? On September 6, he has sent an email to this Court. How can he do it. Ask him why he is sending email when he is represented by you."

The counsel informed the court that the client had withdrawn all his cases from him on July 29 and he wants to pursue the case as petitioner-in-person.

However, the Court questioned him on how he could send emails to the Court.

Justice Oka said: "You are a member of the Bar. How can you send emails? The last email was sent by you and you have not withdraw that...If member of the Bar feels one of the judges is prejudiced, he should show courage and file a transfer petition making specific allegations against the judge.The member of Bar sending this email, the system will not work.I have read your email from July 8."

The advocate apologised and informed the court that he would file a final affidavit withdrawing the email and tendering unconditional apology. 

Justice Oka's bench has allowed the appellant to appear petitioner-in-person and has directed him to stop sending emails to the Court.