In an unprecedented move in the legal history of Madhya Pradesh, the High Court has issued contempt notices to 65 advocates in the Seoni district, marking a significant and strict action against the legal practitioners. Alongside, the elected executive body of the Seoni District Bar Association has been dissolved, adding to the gravity of the situation.
Contempt Notices Issued to 65 Advocates
The High Court’s action came as a response to the continued strike by the advocates in opposition to the proposed relocation of the District and Sessions Court. The advocates had been advocating for the proximity of the Collectorate and the District Court for the convenience of all parties involved. Despite the High Court’s declaration of the strike as unconstitutional, a significant number of advocates persisted, leading to the issuance of contempt notices.
This is the Matter
The controversy stems from the state government’s approval of a proposal to relocate the District and Sessions Court to a site on Nagpur Road, a decision that was met with opposition from the legal community in Seoni. The advocates argued that the new Collectorate, which is currently under construction, should also be relocated to Nagpur Road to facilitate accessibility for both lawyers and litigants.
Despite the Jabalpur High Court’s ruling against the strike as unconstitutional, nearly 95 advocates submitted applications to continue the strike, prompting the court to issue contempt notices to 65 of them and ordering their presence in court.
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Further Developments Awaited
The legal fraternity of Seoni, comprising around 10-11 advocates, attempted to seek resolution by approaching the Jabalpur High Court. However, their efforts were stymied as the portfolio judge, Vishal Dhagat, was on leave, and the Chief Justice, Ravi Malimath, did not grant them an audience, leaving the conflict unresolved.
