The Kerala High Court is witnessing an unusual conflict—a dispute between a judge and the legal fraternity. The dispute began with the judge’s alleged derogatory comments against a woman lawyer.
Advocate Saritha Thomas appeared before Justice A. Badharudeen as the representative of her late husband, Advocate Alex M. Scaria, who passed away in January. However, the judge reportedly did not acknowledge the news of her husband’s death. She pleaded for time to change the vakalath nama from her husband’s name to her own. However, the judge did not heed her request, allegedly stating that he was unaware of her husband’s passing. Instead, he insisted that the case proceed as it was already very old.
Saritha Thomas, however, was concerned about potential technical complications her (husband’s) client might face in the judgement process if the vakalath nama was not changed to her name.
Subsequently, the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association (KHCAA) took up the matter. They decided that lawyers would boycott Justice A. Badharudeen’s court until he apologised to the woman lawyer in open court. The judge, however, offered to apologise in his chamber, which KHCAA rejected. Its president, Yeshwanth Shenoy, submitted a memorandum to Kerala High Court Chief Justice Nitin M. Jamdar regarding the issue.
A general body meeting of the association was held on 8 March, where it was decided to continue boycotting Justice A. Badharudeen’s courtroom (1D Court) until he apologises publicly in court. Meanwhile, KHCAA has requested the Chief Minister to arrange videography of court proceedings to ensure transparency.
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