Fourth estate submits memo to HC Chief Justice

BANGALORE: In the backdrop of the recent attack on media personnel by advocates, journalists submitted a memorandum to the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court seeking intervention.The journalists stated that if the issue has to be settled under the purview of the the Judiciary, the incident must be referred to the Chief Justice of India and advice must be sought whether such an inquiry could be conducted under his direct supervision. They added that a CBI inquiry is desirable if the issue can be probed outside the purview of the Judiciary. Adding that if the probe falls under the state government’s purview, the probe must be headed by the CID or Lokayukta. They added that if a judicial inquiry headed by a retired HC judge is the only way out, such a person should not have served in any of the state courts.“We fear that false cases may be foisted against those who cover the courts, including those who were present in court complex on March 2,” the memorandum states. They expressed apprehension that the Bar Council has declined to provide legal assistance to media personnel.  High Court registrar (administration) Krishna Bhat who accepted the memorandum, stated that he will he will place it before the CJ and apprise on the situation in two days.Lawyers BoycottWith members of Karnataka State Bar Council and Advocates Association, Bangalore, abstaining from work, most cases were adjourned. Advocates who submitted representation to Governor and the HC CJ on Monday, too, abstained from work.