Irked by magistrate’s order advocates’ stage snap protest in Mangaluru

Irked by magistrate’s order advocates’ stage snap protest in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 4, 2025: Irked by an order of a magistrate to initiate disciplinary proceedings against a junior advocate, a section of advocates staged a silent protest in front of District Court complex in Mangaluru on Thursday.

The junior advocate represented Respondent No.9 in a civil suit before the magistrate court. The petitioner had filed interim applications (IA) No.7 and No. 8. When it came up for hearing on Wednesday, the junior advocate, a woman, asked the Magistrate to keep the file aside as her senior advocate was engaged in another court. 

Advocates for petitioner and other respondents objected to persistent delaying tactics by advocate for Respondent No. 9. At one point of time the junior counsel reportedly accused the Magistrate of being prejudiced against her client. The Magistrate took serious note of advocate’s behaviour and sought initiation of contempt proceedings. The Magistrate ordered for disciplinary action against the advocate, while posting the case to Thursday for orders on IA 7 and 8.

Following this, some young advocates staged a snap protest for a while on Thursday morning by tying black ribbon across their mouths. “It is a minor incident inside the court hall. The issue has been sorted out,” said president of Mangaluru Bar Association H.V. Raghavendra.

Acknowledging about amicable resolution of the issue, the Magistrate, in the order on Thursday, said there is no need to issue contempt proceedings against the junior counsel. The order passed on April 2 will not be prejudiced for further proceedings. No prejudice will be caused  to both parties as per the order passed on April 2, the Magistrate noted while posting the case to April 7 for orders on IA 7 and 8.