Delhi High Court witnesses empty courtrooms; High Court Bar Association calls for strike after Chief Justice Murugesan “betrays trust” over raising pecuniary jurisdiction

Tense scenes were witnessed at the Delhi High Court today morning following the Delhi High Court Bar Association’s (DHCBA) call for a boycott. The Bar Association is evidently upset over Chief Justice Murugesan’s letter to the government, advocating the increase of the High Court’s pecuniary jurisdiction from Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 2 crore. This would mean that all cases valued at less than Rs. 2 crore would be heard by the lower courts..The DHCBA has also asked lawyers to abstain from appearing before the Chief Justice’s Court, alleging that Chief Justice Murugesan has “betrayed their trust” by failing to consult the Bar before choosing to advise the government. Speaking to Bar & Bench, DHCBA President and Additional Solicitor General, AS Chandhiok said that the Chief Justice lacked “advisory jurisdiction” and that the appropriate step would have been to make a Presidential Reference in this regard..The Senior Advocate also said that the Chief Justice had initially agreed to hear the Bar a week before any decision would be taken; however this meeting never took place. Lastly, Chandhiok said that four other judges had been of the view that the jurisdiction ought to be raised to Rs. 50 lakh, but it was the Chief Justice who had raised this to Rs. 2 crore..Following their decision, members of the DHCBA stood in front of the High Court entrances, asking lawyers not to enter the courtrooms. This led to a minor fracas when a lady lawyer claimed that the DHCBA had no right to take such steps, and that this was not the manner in which lawyers ought to behave and that the police ought to intervene in this matter. The members of the DHCBA, however, did not change their stance and continued “requesting” lawyers not to partake in court proceedings.The DHCBA shall continue to “request” lawyers not to appear before the Chief Justice, a matter of a few more days since Justice Murugesan’s last working day is May 31, 2013. .The issue of pecuniary jurisdiction has almost always caused a strong reaction amongst lawyers. In Bombay, the pecuniary jurisdiction of the Bombay High Court was recently raised to Rs. 1 crore , while in Madras it was raised to Rs. 25 lakh a couple of years ago. .The DHCBA is expected to take a decision on its further course of action, at a meeting later today.