Shahdara Bar Association calls for boycott of two Karkardooma judges over misbehaviour with lawyers

Shahdara Bar Association on Thursday asked its member-advocates to boycott two judges posted at Karkardooma Courts and not appear before them physically or through video-conferencing (VC)

It said the decision was taken in view of regular complaints received against family court principal judge SS Rathi and judicial magistrate Ritika Kansal.

The bar body's executive committee said the complaints pertain to several instances of “discourteous, humiliating and disrespectful treatment” meted out to advocates by the two judges.

“All lawyers are requested to not to appear physically or through V.C before the courts being presided by Sh. S.S. Rathi, Ld. Principal Judge, Family Court, East District, Karkardooma Courts, Delhi & Ms. Ritika Kansal, Ld. J.M.F.C, Mahila Courts, East District, Karkardooma Courts, Delhi to uphold the dignity of our profession,” a resolution passed by the committee said.

The bar association said that despite informing the principal district judge about the conduct of these two judge, no action was taken.

It also alleged that judge Rathi today called a senior member of the bar association a “dalaal” or broker.

Such behaviour strikes at the independence of the legal profession and undermines public confidence in the administration of justice, the bar body said.

“The relationship between the Bench and the Bar is founded upon mutual respect, dignity and cooperation. While advocates are duty-bound to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and courtroom decorum, Judicial Officers are equally expected to uphold the dignity of the institution by treating members of the Bar with courtesy, patience and fairness," it added.

[Read Resolution]