Advocates abstain from HC protesting cop's unruly behaviour

Chennai, Feb 15 (UNI) Practising advocates of Madras High Court today abstained from attending court proceedings protesting against alleged high-handed behaviour of a police officer towards a senior advocate.

Members of the Madras High Court Advocates Association led by its president R C Paul Kanakaraj took out a procession around the Court Hall shouting slogans against Joint Commissioner (South) Durairaj and demanded his suspension.

Meanwhile, another group of advocates, led by All India Bar Association vice-president S Prabhakaran, staged a dharna asking Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to take stringent action against the police officer.

It was alleged the officer behaved highhandedly with SENIOR ADVOCATE S Duraiswamy for not giving way to his vehicle. It was also alleged the officer instructed a constable to take the advocate to Mylapore police station.

Meanwhile, Chennai Police Commissioner Letika Saran sent a letter to Mr Kanakraj terming the turn of events yesterday, 'regrettable'.

Following this, Chief Justice A P Shah called the agitating lawyers to his chamber and told them that a high-level committee had already been constituted to deal with the issues.

As the Commissioner had sent a letter, he appealed to the Bar to give up the protest. He would call the Commissioner tomorrow and ask her to arrange a meeting between Mr Durairaj and Mr Duraiswamy to tender the former's apology in person.

UNI