AP Bar Council Opposes Circular on Condolence Meetings After Court Hours
A delegation of AP Bar Council members led by Balaji Yalamanjula called on the chief justice on Tuesday and submitted a representation seeking CJ’s intervention in this regard.
Vijayawada:The Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh has requested chief justice of the AP High Court Lisa Gill to withdraw the circular stipulating conduct of condolence meetings of legal fraternity after court hours at 4:15 pm. The council wanted suitable instructions permitting unit heads to conduct such meetings.
A delegation of AP Bar Council members led by Balaji Yalamanjula called on the chief justice on Tuesday and submitted a representation seeking CJ’s intervention in this regard.
In the representation, the Bar Council said condolence meetings are solemn occasions to pay homage to departed members of the Bar and judicial officers. Holding these meetings after court hours at 4:15 pm would result in poor attendance at these meetings.
The council said the legal profession has always attached the highest importance in paying respects to departed members of the judicial fraternity. Expression of condolence is an integral part of this tradition.
The Bar Council wanted allocation of a reasonable time during the morning session for holding condolence meetings. This would ensure meaningful participation by all stakeholders without in any manner affecting the administration of justice. The council observed that this practice is prevalent in states including neighbouring Telangana and Odisha, apart from other states.