New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has delivered a significant order expressing strong disapproval of the Faizabad Bar Association’s conduct, particularly regarding their practice of calling strikes and abstaining from judicial work.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan heard a petition filed by the Faizabad Bar Association challenging a judgment of the Allahabad High Court. The High Court had previously ordered the constitution of an Elders Committee to oversee the Association’s affairs and ensure elections to its Governing Council were held by December 2024.
During the proceedings on September 2, 2024, the Court took note of the Association’s conduct, as highlighted in the impugned High Court judgment. In response, learned senior counsel for the petitioner Bar Association fairly stated that every office bearer would file an undertaking by way of an affidavit.
Expressing its view on the matter, the court stated: “Having been apprised of the conduct of the members of the Faizabad Bar Association as highlighted by the High Court in paragraph 14 of the impugned judgment, as well as in its post-decisional script, learned senior counsel for the petitioner – Bar Association fairly states that every office bearer of the petitioner – Bar Association will file an undertaking by way of an affidavit before the District Judge, High Court, and this Court that they shall never pass any resolution for abstaining from work. If there is any grievance of the members of the Bar Association, they shall approach the District Judge or, if need be, the Administrative Judge/portfolio Judge of the High Court for redressal of their grievances.”
Additionally, the court noted that if members of the Bar Association have any grievances, they should approach the proper authorities within the judicial hierarchy for redressal, rather than resorting to work stoppages.
In conclusion, the court posted the matter for further hearing on September 13, 2024, directing that the requisite affidavits be filed by that date.
