In an unprecedented move, a group of lawyers staged a protest inside the Kerala High Court, calling for a public apology from a judge who allegedly made insensitive remarks to a widow and advocate, the late Alex M Scaria’s wife. The incident has prompted significant unrest among the legal community, with the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association (KHCAA) spearheading the demand for the judge’s accountability.
The controversy arose during a court session when the widow, also an advocate, requested a postponement in a case due to her husband’s recent demise. According to the KHCAA, the judge’s response was perceived as derogatory and caused the woman considerable distress, leading to her leaving the courtroom in tears.
In response to the incident, the lawyers gathered in the courtroom on Friday, disrupting proceedings to voice their outrage and demand an apology. KHCAA President Nandakumar M R articulated the association’s stance, stating that they expect the apology to be made in open court, as a private apology in the judge’s chambers would not suffice to address the public nature of the offense.
The association has issued a stern warning, indicating that should the judge fail to comply with their demand for a public apology, they will convene a general body meeting to discuss potential actions, including boycotting his court sessions.
The judge involved has reportedly expressed his willingness to apologize, albeit privately, which the association has rejected. The Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court is expected to engage in discussions with the leaders of the association to resolve the matter.
