The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India, requesting him to direct all benches of the Supreme Court not to pass any adverse orders due to non-appearance in any matter listed on January 22, in light of the Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav (consecration ceremony) of Shree Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Written by SCBA President, Senior Advocate Adish Agarwala, the letter said, “I am writing this letter on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association to request your Lordship to advise all benches of the Supreme Court not to pass any adverse orders due to non-appearance in any matter listed on 22.1.2024, in light of the Pran Pratishtha of Shree Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Your Lordship is undoubtedly aware of the significance of this celebration. Some of my Muslim brethren have also approached me to request Your Lordship to declare it a holiday. While acknowledging the importance of maintaining an adequate number of working days, we are specifically requesting that no adverse orders be passed in any case due to the absence of anyone – lawyer or litigant.
Even though the main prayers are in Ayodhya, simultaneous ceremonies will take place in temples not only in India but throughout the world. The celebrations will commence early in the morning and continue until late evening.
I understand that many Hon’ble Judges and Senior Law officers have been invited to Ayodhya, and they may also be participating in the prayers.
In my capacity as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and the International Council of Jurists, London, I have also been honored with an invitation. Consequently, I will be attending the prayer ceremony in Ayodhya.
The Central Government and most State Governments (including the Kejriwal Govt. of Delhi) have declared a half-day holiday to provide citizens with the opportunity to participate in this prayer ceremony.
Therefore, I earnestly request Your Lordship to advise the Registry of the Supreme Court to issue a public notification in this regard,” it added.