The Supreme Court criticised the lawyers associations of Tamil Nadu and Bar Council of India for inaction.
Judges in Madras High Court have a "fear psychosis" due to the constant threat that lawyers might enter court rooms shouting slogans, the Supreme Court observed today, lamenting that never before has the situation fallen to "such low levels".
The Supreme Court's comments come after a group of 100 lawyers of the High Court who created ruckus on September 16 when suo motu contempt proceedings against two leaders of Madurai Bar Association were being heard in-camera.
"Judges in Madras HC sit in courts with fear psychosis. There is always a threat that anytime the lawyers shouting slogans will enter the courtrooms... It was once a traditional court that we all looked up to. Never before has it fallen to such low levels. I have had a long long conversation with the Madras HC Chief Justice, day before yesterday," Chief Justice of India H L Dattu said.
The Chief Justice, who was heading the bench along with Justice Amitava Roy, also criticised the lawyers associations of Tamil Nadu and Bar Council of India, apex body of advocates in the country, for their inaction.
"In Madras, there are three strong lawyers associations. What are they doing when mobs enter courtrooms with wives and children and shout slogans? The CISF is guarding the judges against unruly mobs of lawyers and their families who scream, shout obscenities against judges. What will the Chief Justice do," Mr Dattu remarked.
The Chief Justice also said that he has not seen such situation in courts since 1975.
"Lawyers form different groups based on caste. They take processions in court halls and chambers with wives and children. They enter judges chambers," said Senior advocate K K Venugopal, who suggested that the apex court should send three Supreme Court judges to the High Court to probe the matter.
To this, Mr Dattu said, "Let's give the High Court Chief Justice some time. Sending judges from here will create unnecessary problems."
The Supreme Court then adjourned the case for three weeks after taking on record the status report filed by the High Court in the Justice Karnan matter.