MARCEL, FEB 14
The Ponda Advocates Association abstained from appearing in the court on Monday to show solidarity to suspended Judge Desmond D’Costa.
It may be recalled that on Friday, the association members in a meeting which was convened with regard to suspension of D’Costa had resolved to abstain from JMFC proceedings in support of state-wide protest.
Though the advocates were present at the JMFC Ponda on Monday, but none of them attended the court proceedings.
Even litigants were informed well in advance by the association members to avoid any inconvenience.
However, advocates were present in the court premises as there could have been some litigants who were unaware of the decision to boycott court proceedings on Monday.
“We all abstained from appearing in the court to show solidarity to Judge D’Costa. We have already informed about this to our litigants and we are here to attend to any litigants who might be unaware of this development,” said Ponda Advocates Association Vice President Adv Vandana Jog.
Says a senior advocate and a member of Ponda Advocates Association, Adv Shrikant Naik: “An upright, honest, dedicated and punctual judge Desmond D’Costa has been suspended pending inquiry. There is no doubt all advocates associations across the State have shown support to D’Costa.”
“The support is overwhelming. Solidarity and support cannot be purchased, it is deserved and D’Costa deserves it,” added Adv Naik.
