Withdraw ‘bias’ charge against Justice: Advocates to state govt

Mumbai: The Bombay Bar Association (BBA), the Advocates Association of Western India (AAWI) and the Advocates Society for Minorities have taken strong exception to the allegations made by the state government against sitting Bombay high court judge, Justice A.S. Oka and the complaint made against him to the Chief Justice.

The state had asked for a case on noise pollution to be transferred to another bench on the grounds that Justice Oka was biased against it. While standing staunchly in support of the judge, the advocates have demanded that the state withdraw the allegations.

According to the notice issued by the BBA for an extraordinary general body meeting (EOGM) to be held on August 28, the incident on August 24, wherein a part heard matter by a bench headed by Justice Oka, was transferred pursuant to an application by the state government to the Chief Justice, was unfortunate. The BBA, while criticising the state’s approach, said that it held the judge in high regard and Monday’s meeting was aimed to discuss and pass an appropriate resolution in connection with this incident. According to senior advocate Dr Birendra Saraf, the Bar wants to express its solidarity with the learned judge and reiterate complete faith and confidence in him through this resolution.

Meanwhile, the AAWI held an emergency meeting on Saturday to discuss the incident and passed a resolution condemning the irresponsible, unethical and capricious stand taken by the government of Maharashtra. “The managing committee of AAWI believes that the allegation of bias against Justice Oka in an ongoing litigation has undoubtedly damaged the independence of the judiciary and resulted in surreptitious but blatant interference in the sacred task of administration of justice,” said Viresh Purwant, honorary secretary of AAWI. The AAWI is urging the chief justice to take appropriate action to defibrillate the honour of Justice Oka, he said.

The ASM also aired similar views and demanded that the government withdraw its allegation and tender an unconditional apology, failing which the society would take legal recourse in the matter and approach the Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa and Bar Counsel of India for appropriate action in the matter.