Lawyers to oppose Dinakaran's appointment

 
Several advocates are now airing the the views expressed by  Justice D V Shylendra Kumar, who had  questioned the Chief Justice taking up administrative works.

With the Centre making efforts to upgrade the Circuit Benches  at Gulbaraga and Dharwad, the appointment of the judges for the benches has gained momentum. But the legal fraternity in the City has begun opposing the Chief Justice as head of the collegium to appoint the judges.

B V Acharya, former Advocate General, said that the Chief Justice  cannot take up administrative matters when he has been told not to conduct judicial proceedings.
 Sadashiva Reddy, former Chairman, Karnataka State Bar Council, said “ How can he do this ? How can we accept the appointments he makes ? He cannot head the collegium, we will strongly oppose this.” 

But K N Puttegowda, President, Advocates Association Bangalore (AAB) said, “ We know he should not take up administrative work, but how can we say no to it ? On the appointment of judges, it is for the Higher Judiciary to decide whether it can accept the recommendation made by Chief Justice,” he said.

Not aware

He said that though he is not aware whether they can legally even discuss about the situation in the general body meeting. “I will talk to the senior advocates in this regard and decide when the courts reopen,” he said.

“As  on today we will see what can be done in this regard,” he added.   Law Minister Suresh Kumar, when contacted, said that the appointment of nine judges is likely to begin this month.

When questioned about the Chief Justice heading the collegium, he said “ I don’t think that the Chief Justice himself may understand the nature of situation and opt out. The Chief Justice being head of the team may withdraw.”

Permanent bench

The Law Minister said that the Government has already sent recommendation to establish permanent bench at Gulbarga and Dharwad to the Supreme Court and the Union Government. Speaking to Deccan Herald said that the strength of judges will be decided later on as the existing number of judges are not sufficient.