Karnataka Lawyers’ Court Boycott: High Court Opens Contempt Case

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, 3 November, started suo motu contempt proceedings after a group of advocates entered the Chief Justice’s court hall and disrupted proceedings during a protest by the Advocates’ Association, Bengaluru (AAB). A bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice K S Hemalekha said the conduct “prima facie” amounted to contemptuous behaviour, Bar & Bench and LiveLaw reported.

CCTV Footage to Identify Those Involved

The court told its registry to examine CCTV footage and identify the persons who caused the disturbance. It issued notice to the AAB and asked it to file an affidavit, saying it would decide its next step after hearing the parties. LiveLaw reported the bench called the conduct “absolutely unbecoming of an advocate”. A lawyer present apologised, and the court asked him for an affidavit of apology. Counsel for the association also sought to apologise on its behalf, and said its office-bearers would appear before the court. The bench indicated it may refer the matter to the Bar Council.

Boycott Over Attacks on Advocates

The protest was part of a statewide court boycott called by the AAB, according to City Today. It followed a general body meeting on 29 October that voted to stop court work. The lawyers’ demands include a stronger Advocates Protection Act, better security for advocates and quick action against those who attack them. City Today linked the boycott to the killing of two advocates in Bengaluru and an alleged attempt to murder a third in Gauribidanur; this detail has not been confirmed by police in the reports IPB reviewed.

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The AAB had earlier protested outside the High Court’s Golden Jubilee Gate in July, alleging administrative breakdown in the courts, Bar & Bench reported then. The contempt case returns to the bench on 19 November. Related court reports are in Daily Updates.

Source: Based on reporting by Bar & Bench, LiveLaw and City Today.

Image: LiveLaw.