Lawyers protest in Kerala High Court, seek judge's public apology
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Kochi: In a rare protest, a section of advocates gathered in the courtroom of a judge of the Kerala High Court on Friday, demanding an apology for his alleged harsh remarks to the widow of a lawyer.
The Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA) staged a protest, demanding a public apology from Justice A. Badharudeen for his alleged insensitive remarks to a widow, Advocate Saritha Thomas.
The protest was sparked by an interaction between the judge and an advocate, the widow of late lawyer Alex M. Scaria.
The advocates' association claimed the judge's comments were demeaning, causing the widow to break down in tears as she requested a postponement in a case following her husband's demise.
The protesting lawyers have issued a warning that if the judge fails to issue a public apology, they will convene an emergency meeting and consider boycotting his court proceedings.
The judge has expressed willingness to apologise in his chambers, but the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA) insists on a public apology in open court.
"We have demanded his apology in open court. If he is not willing to do so, he should keep away from the bench," said KHCAA president Nandakumar M R, citing the decision of the association's general body meeting.
Following the protest, the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court is likely to hold discussions with association leaders later in the day, sources said.
(inputs from PTI)