Lawyers behave like unruly netas, create ruckus in SC

NEW DELHI: It has become almost a routine for lawmakers to create ruckus in Parliament and assemblies over political issues. But the scene was no different in the Supreme Court on Wednesday when two groups of lawyers hooted each other and created a commotion, forcing the court to adjourn hearing of a case relating to a housing project for advocates.

The proceedings before Justices Madan B Lokur and A K Goel went awry with two groups of lawyers contested each other's claim in the packed courtroom.

In the din created by lawyers, Justices Lokur and Goel repeatedly appealed to the advocates to maintain the court's decorum and said if all of them spoke at the same time, it would be very difficult to continue with the hearing. But their advice went unheeded.

"You have to let us speak. You cannot stop the proceedings like this. It does not make any sense. Don't react and let the proceedings go," the bench said when while members of rival groups of lawyers hooted each other.

While one group demanded commencement of allotment of 684 flats built by Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Housing Society, the other group alleged massive irregularities in the functioning of the housing society to demand a probe prior to the allotment.

The court was hearing an application filed by some advocates seeking probe against former SC Judge Deepak Verma, who was appointed as administrator of the Society, alleging that he had abused his position to release excessive amount to the contractor leading to cost escalation.

Justice Verma's letter expressing his unwillingness to continue as an administrator of the Society was placed before the court. He is the third retired SC judge to resign from the post of administrator.

The bench repeatedly requested the advocates to explore a way out of the impasse but failed to achieve a consensus. The advocates reposed faith in SCBA president Dushyant Dave and agreed to his appointment as the new administrator.

However, Dave declined saying he didn't wish to get into any controversy after a 36-year impeccable record. "I am really touched. I have been in Bar for the last 36 years. I don't want to face any controversy. No one has ever raised a finger at me and I don't want to face that situation," Dave, said in choked voice trying to hold back his tears.

He refuted the allegation that SCBA filed the petition to delay allotment of flats and said he interfered in the issue only after finding the irregularities in the construction of building for which lawyers had paid.

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