Anshika Tiwari-
Justice Rahul Chaturvedi of the High Court of Allahabad on Friday directed the Registrar General, High Court to frame a set of rules for lawyers that they must abide by while addressing courts in virtual proceedings.
The Court has asked the Registrar General to frame ‘dos and don’ts’ for the lawyers within the next 48 hours. These guidelines shall cover everything, including their dress code and ways and manners by which they would participate in the court proceedings. It was directed to be circulated vide a proper notification in the cause list or any other effective mode.
Lawyers were requested to ensure strict adherence to the code and the court made it categorically clear that any form of deviation from the rules and procedures prescribed therein, shall attract penal consequences.
This direction came in connection with a bail application listed before the court, which it denied to hear as Advocate Sanjay Kumar Mishra, appeared before the court from inside his car. In a condemning tone, Justice Chaturvedi remarked,
“The Court deplores and deprecates such type of non-serious approach by the lawyers”.
The court expressed its dismay over the incident. It stated in its order, “It was indeed shocking that the learned counsel for the applicant while sitting in a car wants to address the Court on the merits of the case.”
Justice Chaturvedi highlighted that lawyers must remember that they are appearing before the court in what may be called a ‘solemn proceeding’ and not sitting in their drawing rooms or passing leisurely time. He warned advocates against misusing the liberty granted by the court administration.
The court added that in the past as well many courts have expressed their intolerance towards such practices, but the lawyers are not paying heed or attaching any credence to it.
The court’s stance was very clear and it said that the extraordinary situation of lockdown has already loosened the regimentation to the Bar and the Bench to a great extent. Having given the liberty to address courts from their chambers, residence or workplaces, the counsels must make sure that they do not abuse it.
