Advocates boycotted courts on Monday protesting the ‘abusive’ language used by Joint Collector Vivek Yadav against senior advocate Chapara Ramesh here.
They also condemned the alleged remarks made by district Collector P. Lakshmi Narasimham against the advocates and vowed to continue their protest until the officials tendered an apology.
Emergency meeting
Members of the Andhra Pradesh Bar Association at an emergency meeting held here remarked that a few senior officials were ‘crossing their limits’ while discharging their duties in the revenue courts by using their magisterial powers.
Association member S. Krishna Mohan and Srikakulam Bar Association president Y. Sanyasi Rao said the system cannot function if senior officials felt that they were ‘supreme’ and could get away with anything.
Abusive language
The maintained that Mr. Vivek Yadav had used abusive language against Mr. Chapara Ramesh on September 29. Mr. Lakshmi Narasimham had also reportedly said that it would be better if the advocates do not confront IAS officers since they (IAS officers) could make the advocates remove their bands, which were part of their attire.
Other members of the association including Vana Krishna Chand and Jallu Tirupati Rao alleged that the advocates were forced to stay for longer periods in the revenue courts.
Former vice-president of the Vizianagaram Bar Association Kantubhukta Srinivasa Rao said the officials had no right to insult anyone including advocates.
Meanwhile, the two officers reportedly expressed regret over the incident and were ready to tender an apology. Mr. Narasimham also briefed the Chief Secretary on the issue. However, the advocates were firm on continuing the strike and said the officials should come to the court complex at Srikakulam and tender an apology in public.
Vow to continue protest until Collector, JC tender apology for ‘insulting’ a senior advocate