2G scam: Case hearing disrupted by striking lawyers

NEW DELHI: The proceedings in the 2G spectrum case were on Thursday interrupted in a Delhi court by lawyers observing a one-day strike against the delay in transferring power to lower courts to hear all civil cases irrespective of the money involved in them.

As soon as Special CBI Judge O P Saini started hearing arguments on charges against Reliance ADAG senior Vice President Hari Nair, an accused in the case, the district court lawyers requested the judge and the counsel present in the court to adjourn the matter in support of the strike.

The judge, however, told the lawyers, advancing arguments against framing of charges, to take a break.

"I do not want any scene in my court. You (lawyers) can start arguments after 11.30 am," the judge said.

As the lawyers representing the accused in the 2G scam vacated the court, the accused themselves started putting forward their case before the judge.

The lawyers are protesting against the rule in Delhi that lower courts can hear and decide a civil suit to the value of Rs 20 lakh only and other matters, which exceed the limit, are being heard by the High Court.

Rajiv Khosla, Spokesperson of Co-ordination Committee of all Bar Association of Delhi said due to the complete strike, the work in all the six district courts here has come to halt.

"Advocates in all the six district courts are observing complete strike today. Not a single case is being attended by any lawyer in the district courts," Khosla said.