Is it the price to raise voice against corruption…? Hoarding in support of Justice Arun Chaudhari at GPO Square.
Nagpur: As the High Court’s Nagpur bench Justice Arun Chaudhari has been suddenly entrusted with second appeals, being seen as a sign of demotion and disgrace by many in law fraternity, voices are being raised in his support. A prominent and telling gesture has been spotted at busy GPO square in Nagpur. The hoarding, equates the change in roster to humiliating Justice Chaudhari which is interpreted as protecting swindlers and scamsters. The message was put up by “Victims of Economic Frauds”.
Recently the acting Chief Justice of Bombay High Court carried out a partial modification of list of sitting judges for Nagpur bench effective from last Monday. Justice Arun Chaudhari, who was earlier looking after all criminal matters, has been entrusted with second appeals. In his place, Justice Zaka Haq would be looking after criminal matters.
It may be mentioned here that few days back Justice Chaudhari had ruled that the citizens should avoid paying taxes if the government fails to contain corruption. He passed several strictures on the Maharashtra government and Bank of Maharashtra (BOM) for overlooking embezzlement of funds worth Rs 385 crore in Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Vikas Mahamandal (LASVM), an organization which was set up for the uplift of Mathang community. He asked director general of police (DGP) to find out veracity of such cases reported in newspapers and act immediately.
He also termed corruption as a “hydra-headed monster” and said it is high time citizens came together to tell their governments that they have had enough. “The miasma (unholy atmosphere) of corruption can be beaten if all work together. If it continues, taxpayers’ should refuse to pay taxes through a non-cooperation movement,” said Chaudhari.
All the lawyers at Nagpur bench of HC has been protesting the sudden change in roster and termed it as a deliberate ploy to shift Justice Arun Chaudhari to criminal bench.
