CJI On Lawyers Strikes

New Delhi, Jan 12 (UNI) India's retiring Chief Justice Yogesh Kumar Sabharwal tonight recalled advocates' strikes he had led or taken part in as a lawyer-- but stressed they were in support of the independence of judiciary.

Justice Sabharwal told court colleagues of 42 years gathered to bid him farewell on apex court lawns that he had always been opposed to strikes on trivial grounds.

His remarks came after Supreme Court Bar Association President M N Krishnamani sought the CJI's views on the issue, reminding him of strikes he had taken part in as a lawyer.

Indian courts have given judgements against lawyers' resort to strikes so as not to inconvenience litigants.

Among those present on the occasion were India's Chief Justice designate K G Balakrishnan and several Judges of the apex court as well as the Delhi High Court and advocates.

Justice Sabharwal confessed that at heart he always felt he was a lawyer-- even after he became a Judge.

He said the strikes he led or participated in were against attempts at undermining the independence of the judiciary.

He mentioned in this context the supersession of three apex court judges in 1973 and again of a judge in 1977.

He said those strikes were not against a policeman hitting a lawyer or against shifting courts from one venue to another.

UNI