Punjab & Haryana HC Bar meets today

 Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 26

A day after a section of lawyers took strong exception to an order passed by a judge asking an advocate to explain why he rendered wrong legal advice, the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association today decided to hold its general house meeting on Friday to discuss the issue. 

A requisition for convening the meeting was received by the Bar office on Wednesday. Taking a note of it, the association made it clear that the meeting would be held in the New Bar Complex during the lunch hour. The requisition was purportedly supported by about 500 advocates.

It comes at a time when the Bar is gearing up for its annual elections in April. The issue, as such, is threatening to snowball into a major controversy. The order was passed by a single judge of the high court on February 18. Taking up the petition for quashing summoning order and proceedings emanating from it, the single judge had observed: “On the last date of hearing, counsel for the petitioner was directed to explain as to why he has rendered wrong legal advice to his client for filing such a petition which has no foundation at all. 

“The counsel for the petitioner made it to understand that he would refund the fee charged from his client and ensure his presence before the court for the adjourned date i.e. today. Counsel has failed to put in appearance before this court knowing fully well the observations made by this Court. Dismissed”. 

Reacting to the orders, the lawyers have claimed that the orders were passed ex-parte; and have also asked for the passing of a resolution for the transfer of the judge.