New Delhi: The SCBA alleges that while Rai was speaking to the media, Malik forcibly approached him, behaved in an abusive and discourteous manner, used unparliamentary language and tried to intimidate him.
Reports and viral video of the incident suggest Malik publicly accused Rai of being servile towards Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. He also reportedly objected to the Association's resolutions restraining members from demanding the CJI's resignation.
The notice also refers to a message sent in a WhatsApp group, in which an Executive Committee member has been described as a "dalal" (broker). It stresses that SCBA office bearers are elected representatives who decide by majority vote, and that improper conduct towards them is a serious matter.
The dispute comes amid the fallout from the October 10 police action against lawyers protesting against the Chief Election Commissioner. The SCBA has since moved the Supreme Court under Article 32, alleging that advocates walking near the court premises were manhandled, forcibly detained and taken to distant locations. It has sought a detailed status report on the operation, including the identities of the officers involved.
Malik has seven days from receipt of the notice to submit a written reply to the Executive Committee. The SCBA has warned that it may otherwise proceed further in accordance with its rules.
