Raj lawyers' strike affect hearing in high-profile cases

The strike by lawyers of Rajasthan High Court and lower courts here in protest of the contempt notices issued to some advocates in Jaipur are affecting the hearing in many high-profile cases including those involving Asaram Bapu and actor Salman Khan.
"The trial of Bhanwari Devi abduction and murder case, which had started after a long time following repeated adjournments, has been stalled due to the strike," Ashok Joshi, Senior Special Counsel (CBI), said.
Three prosecution witnesses had appeared in the court for deposition but they had to return due to non-appearance of the defence counsels.
Similarly, in Asaram Bapu sexual assault case, the victim's mother had to appear in the court on Tuesday for cross examination which could not take place due to the strike.

A court hearing the poaching and illegal arms cases against Bollywood actor Salman Khan deferred two cases which were listed for hearing today.
Prosecution witness Shera Ram was to appear in court for evidence in Kankani blackbuck poaching case, while in another cases under the Arms Act a list of evidences was to be submitted but the court adjourned the hearing in both the cases, Khan's counsel H S Saraswat said.
With over 1.25 lakh cases already pending in all Rajasthan courts till June 30, the strike is adding further to the pendency of cases which are seeing adjournments on account of the boycott by advocates.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Home Secretary Gayatri Rathore appeared in the court of Justice Sandeep Mehta in compliance with a directive by him and assured the appearance of Additional Director Prosecution and investigation officers with case diaries in the court in bail related matters.