HC lawyers boycott judge

Punjab and Haryana high court lawyers will strike work on February 24 to protest alleged misconduct by senior judge Uma Nath Singh.

A three-member executive committee of high court judges headed by justice JS Khehar failed to break ice on Friday even after suggesting the controversial judge would not be allowed to hold single-bench hearings.

Lawyers want Singh transferred. The bar association said the committee’s proposal would be deliberated on later. Till then, their boycott of Singh, launched on Thursday after the judge allegedly dictated a contempt notice against two lawyers, will continue.

Controversy began last month when a double bench headed by Singh reprimanded lawyer MK Tiwari for the “manner in which he argued a case”.

Tiwari said he was publicly insulted and humiliated. When he reported the matter to the bar president, Singh allegedly threatened contempt proceedings.

Tiwari’s complaint reads: “While arguing my case before the bench of justices Uma Nath Singh and AN Jindal… Singh in a high pitch... said he would initiate action of contempt against me… get my licence cancelled and see to it that I cannot practise.”

On Thursday Singh reportedly asked Tiwari if he had got in touch with the chief justice on the matter. Tiwari reportedly told the court that he had complained to the bar president, after which Singh said he would issue a contempt notice to him and the bar president.