DHCBA calls off boycott; Representation regarding raising of pecuniary jurisdiction to be considered by Full Court

The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has called off the protest against the Chief Justice’s advice to the government to raise the pecuniary jurisdiction of the High Court from Rs. 20 lakhs to Rs. 2 crore. This decision was taken by the DHCBA after it was permitted to give a representation to the Full Court against the change in pecuniary jurisdiction..On Monday, the DHCBA had asked lawyers to abstain from appearing before the Chief Justice’s Court, alleging that Chief Justice Murugesan had “betrayed their trust” by failing to consult the Bar before tendering his advice to the government..Speaking to Bar & Bench, DHCBA President and Additional Solicitor General, AS Chandhiok said that the DHCBA’s representation on the matter would be considered by the Full Court and a personal hearing would also be granted. He also said that the Government of India has been intimated of the said development. Regarding the language used by the DHCBA in the notice opposing the move to raise the pecuniary limits and calling upon the lawyers to observe 27 May, 2013 as a “Black day”, Chandhiok said that they were “withdrawing the language used in the notice”..The Delhi High Court judges had earlier taken strong exception to the “intemperate language” used in the notice by the DHCBA as reported by ToI..The move will be a welcome relief for the litigants after the Court’s functioning had been impaired for two days due to the boycott of courts by lawyers. In fact, several members of the DHCBA had even blocked entrances to the High Court, “requesting” lawyers not to appear in the court.