TN advocates protest against disciplinary rules

Chennai, June 29 (IANS) Several advocates in Tamil Nadu were arrested on Wednesday when they prevented movement of trains and obstructed road traffic, protesting against the amendments to the Advocates Act.

The advocates have been demanding the withdrawal of the amendments under which disciplinary action can be taken against them on specific grounds.

The advocates said they will continue their protest till their demands are met.

Meanwhile, a five-member committee has been set up to look into the demands of the lawyers and also suggest changes to the recently-amended rules in the Act.

The Madras High Court had recently notified amendment of the rules under the Advocates Act, prescribing disciplinary action against unruly lawyers so as to ensure court proceedings are conducted in a peaceful manner.

The Registrar General of the court issued the notification on the amendments.

Under the Advocates Act courts have the power to debar advocates indulging in activities like attempting to influence a judge or participating in procession inside the court campus or hold placards and the like.

Advocates indulging in such actions shall not be allowed to appear before the high or subordinate court permanently or for such period as the court thinks fit.

The Registrar General shall report the matter to the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu.

If an advocate misconducts himself as specified under Rule 14-A before the high court, the court shall have the power to take action against him/her. The court can also debar the advocate from appearing before it and all subordinate courts.

In case of misconduct before the court of principal district judge, the erring advocate can be deabrred from appearing before any court within such district.

If an advocate commits the act of misconduct before any subordinate court, the court concerned shall report the matter to principal district court within whose jurisdiction it falls.

On receipt of the report, the principal district judge shall have the power to initiate action against the advocate.