The Karnataka High Court is proposing an amendment to its rules to grant the Chief Justice the authority to suspend advocates who participate in court boycotts.These proposed changes are part of the “rules laying down the conditions subject to which an advocate shall be permitted to practice in the High Court and the courts subordinate thereto (Amendment) Rules, 2024.”
KARNTAKA: Recently, the Karnataka High Court has been against strikes and boycotts by advocates, considering them interference with the administration of justice. The court has proposed amendments to its rules, allowing the Chief Justice to suspend advocates who engage in strikes from practicing in any court within the state for a specific duration.
These proposed changes are part of the “rules laying down the conditions subject to which an advocate shall be permitted to practice in the High Court and the courts subordinate thereto (Amendment) Rules, 2024.”
According to the draft rules, advocates or associations of advocates are required to submit a written representation to the Chief Justice or the Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) in cases of grievances or complaints.
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The GRC will consist of the Chief Justice, two senior judges from the High Court (representing the service and the Bar), the Advocate-General, the chairman of the Karnataka State Bar Council, the president of the Bar association, the Administrative Judge of the High Court, and the Principal District and Sessions Judge.
The draft rules empower the GRC to address the grievances of advocates or associations of advocates who intend to resort to strikes, boycotts, or engage in acts that interfere with the administration of justice. If the erring advocates or associations do not comply with any advice provided by the GRC for an amicable resolution, the GRC is authorized to submit a report to the Chief Justice. Based on this report, appropriate proceedings, including those under the Contempt of Courts (CC) Act, may be initiated against the concerned advocates.
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