Lawyers burn copies of amendments

In Tiruchy, members led by the Bar Association president Srinivasan, gathered in front of the combined court premises and raised slogans against amendment to the statutory rules of the Madras High Court, empowering the courts to debar erring lawyers. The amendment empowered the courts to debar erring advocates from practice either temporarily or permanently by exercising powers conferred on it under Section 3(1) of the Advocates Act, 1961. They charged that the changes were being made to keep advocates under the control of courts and prevent them from discharging their duty in a free and fair manner. Subsequently, they burnt copies of the amendment. Similar protests were held in Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Nagapattinam and Karur.