Mr. Dushyant Dave, President of SCBA has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India S.A Bobde for resuming normal working of the Supreme Court of India.
The letter started with:
“I write to you on behalf of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Executive Committee and Myself. Supreme Court Bar Association, represents over 14,000 Members, young and old, junior and senior, AOR and arguing Counsels”, by President, SCBA.
The letter expressed that despite technological challenges, work has gone on though on moderate basis. But this was fine during this period. Supreme Court Bar Association acknowledges the work of the Registry of this Court and all the staff members under the guidance of the Registrar General and expresses its gratitude to them as well. But the challenge of COVID 19 is far from over and there is no sign of it going away soon. It must therefore be faced in a sensible and safe manner. But at the same time, Court’s normal functioning may begin, though in a gradual way. Supreme Court is not just the Highest Court of the Country but is the one of the most Respected Institution of the Country, perhaps the most respected if I may be permitted to say proudly. Its glory must remain for all times, including during crisis period that we are going through.
Later, Mr. Dave had mentioned that the Executive Committee and a sub-committee headed by Vice President has prepared a blueprint on the normal functioning of the Court and seek Chief Justice consideration including other judges of the Supreme Court. He added further that time has come to start an intensive interaction between the Bar and the Bench.
“I would sincerely urge you to call office bearers of the Supreme Court Bar Association and Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association at the earliest convenience. The meeting may be arranged on Zoom or another platform, which we will be happy to arrange. if so directed. Such a meeting will pave way for moving forward. My Lord, if it is difficult for you to find time due to your extremely busy schedule, Your Lordship May direct meeting between the two associations representatives and Committee for Suggestions of Hon’ble Judges, presided by Hon’ble Mr Justice R.F. Nariman (Committee 33 if I am right), at an early date”, stated in the letter.
In the letter it was made to the notice of the CJI that the Bar and the Litigants are extremely anxious to restart the regular functioning of the Supreme Court as early as possible. Members of the Bar, especially Young Members are facing grave difficulties on account of lack of work and their financial condition is worsening day by day. Though Supreme Court Bar Association as also Supreme Court Advocates On-Record Association are making strong efforts to extend financial help to them, but it cannot compensate them for loss of work even moderately. Equally, Litigants are getting impatient waiting to get Justice from this Hon’ble Court in their pending or future matters. Our Members are being pressurized by them on daily basis but they have nothing to pacify them.
Lastly, the SCBA President solicit by saying that the Bar has waited patiently since third week of March considering the times. Now that even Government of India has allowed graded opening of the Country, I do hope and pray that Bar’s just request will indeed receive a positive and immediate response. I must reassure, on behalf of the SCBA, that we will cooperate in any measures that may have to be taken to ensure well-being and safety of all stakeholders towards this end.
India Legal Bureau