Telangana High Court Advocates to boycott Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya’s bench

The Telangana High Court Advocates Association has unanimously resolved to boycott the court of Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya and pursue her transfer from the Telangana High Court.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court Advocates Association, under the leadership of its Executive Body President Sri A. Jagan, convened a General Body Meeting during which a unanimous resolution was passed to boycott the bench presided over by Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya, starting from Monday.

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The Association further resolved to submit a representation to the Acting Chief Justice of Telangana High Court, requesting that no judicial work be allotted to the judge. Additionally, a representation will be submitted to the Chief Justice of India seeking the transfer of the judge to another High Court.

The meeting witnessed participation from a large number of advocates, including several senior and junior members of the Bar, as well as women advocates. Senior Advocates V. Raghunath, M.S. Prasad, Nandigam Krishna Rao, Bar Council Member M.A.K. Mukheed, and many other experienced lawyers, along with junior advocates, voiced their concerns in unison.

The advocates alleged that they were subjected to humiliation and insult by Justice Bhattacharya during court proceedings. President A. Jagan stated that the Executive Body has received numerous complaints from practicing advocates, citing instances of humiliation, a lack of respectful engagement, and an overall hostile atmosphere in the courtroom.

During the meeting, it was expressed that such treatment has created a lack of harmony between the Bar and the Bench, which could seriously impact the dignity and functioning of the institution.

Specific grievances raised include:

• The imposition of unreasonably heavy costs on parties, reportedly up to Rs 3 lakhs,
• Entries in dockets noting unpreparedness of a majority of advocates a practice not observed before any other judge
  A disproportionate emphasis on command over the English language, disregarding the diverse socio-educational backgrounds of practicing advocates
• During the meeting one advocate, one advocate, P. Prabhakar Reddy, who has been in practice for over 40 years, shared an unpleasant experience where he was replaced during proceedings by an advocate from the Legal Services Authority, allegedly at the judge’s behest.

In light of these grievances, the Association unanimously resolved to boycott the court of Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya and pursue her transfer from the Telangana High Court.