Karnataka HC Asks State Bar Council And AAB To Initiate Disciplinary Action Against Advocates Who Gather Outside HC Gate Seeking Entry Without Appointment

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice S Vishwajit Shetty said;

"Even today at 9.30 am a huge scene was created outside the high court gate, seeking entry. This is against the Standard Operating Procedure issued by the high court, if this continues we will be compelled to close the courts." On Monday, also a similar situation had arisen and the Chief Justice had to personally intervene and convince the advocates to follow the SOP.

Counsel appearing for the State Bar Council informed that the advocates in their anxiety may have tried to enter the high court premises. To which the bench said "It cannot be for a minority that the majority suffers. Our worry is that litigants will suffer if the courts are closed."

 "Issue notices of disciplinary action against those lawyers who are creating a scene. Is this not misconduct? When the court issues SOP and there is blatant violation, are you not required to issue notice? Are you helpless?,The bench orally asked the State Bar council and Advocates Association.

The counsel for the State Bar Council assured the court that action would be initiated.

The bench even indicated that it would expand the scope of the suo-motu petition initiated to address the various legal and technical issues which district courts could face during the limited functioning which started from June 1 and include the issue of advocates not following the SOP.