Jharkhand High Court Advocates' Association Ends Strike As Division Bench Stays Order Debarring Lawyer

Jharkhand High Court Advocates' Association (JHCAA) today concluded its strike following a Division Bench order staying the debarment of a lawyer.

Exercising its authority under Article 215 and 226 of the Constitution coupled with Section 14 of the Contempt of Court Act, bench of Justice Rajesh Kumar on May 15 suspended the license of a lawyer and barred him from entering the High Court premises. This action was attributed to lawyer's alleged improper tone and tenor during proceedings.

“The tone and tenor of the concerned Advocate was not proper, rather it was contemptuous. The appearance and the statement of the concerned Advocate has been found contemptuous. Accordingly, Mr. Binod Kumar Jha, is, hereby, debarred from entering into the premises of the Jharkhand High Court and all the Courts, within territory of the Jharkhand High Court, till 12th June, 2024,” the order stated.

Jha had informed the Court that despite six months passing since the defects were rectified, his case hadn't been scheduled for hearing. Upon reviewing the file, the Court had observed that the case still had defects. Additionally, the Court remarked on Jha's contemptuous demeanor, especially considering the presence of over a hundred lawyers in the courtroom.

"Emphatically, accusation has been made against the Staffs and the Court to the effect that the cases are being not listed even after removal of the defect(s). The tone and tenor of the concerned Advocate was not proper, rather it was contemptuous. The appearance and the statement of the concerned Advocate has been found contemptuous," stated the Court.

In response, the Bar Association convened a general meeting, deciding to cease work until Justice Rajesh Kumar's order was revoked.

The division bench comprising Justices Rongon Mukhopadhyay and Ananda Sen intervened on Thursday, temporarily halting the order, leading the bar association to call off its boycott.

Click Here To Read Single Bench Order