SC pulls up Himachal lawyer, says don't be 'chamcha' of state

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up an advocate representing Himachal Pradesh government, who drew its attention that the wife of an apex court judge, hearing a matter relating to unauthorised constructions in Kasauli, has filed a plea in the high court.

Pointing out that Justice Deepak Gupta's wife has filed a PIL in the Himachal Pradesh High Court on encroachment on forest land, the advocate indirectly asked the judge to recuse from hearing in apex court.

A bench headed by Justice Madan B. Lokur strong exception that the state has placed before it the detail of a pending case in the high court, and asked the lawyer not to be a "chamcha" (sycophant) of the state.

"Does the state have nothing else to do? What about governing the state? Tell your state that this will not be tolerated. Don't be a mouthpiece of somebody who has some vested interest. You are an advocate and officer of the court and not a 'chamcha' of the state. Do not do it ever again," Justice Lokur said.

The court attributed the "chamcha" remark following advocate's conduct like a "yes-man".

The court was hearing a plea relating to the death of a woman government official, Shaila Bala Sharma, who was shot dead allegedly by a hotel owner in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, during a demolition drive.

She was carrying out the Supreme Court-ordered demolition drive.

--IANS

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