New Delhi, July 25: Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) today boycotted proceedings of the court in protest against the Centre's decision to enhance the court's pecuniary jurisdiction from Rs five lakh to Rs 20 lakh. DHCBA treasurer Munish Kochhar claimed "the boycott was complete and successful and no effective hearing took place as the members cooperated fully" even as some of the courts heard cases with lawyers appearing before them.

Terming the July 16 notification of the Centre enhancing the high court's pecuniary jurisdiction as "arbitrary", Kochhar said the DHCBA would challenge it at the appropriate forum.

Hearing in several important cases, including that of Uphaar fire tragedy, had to be adjourned as most of the advocates abstained from work. In a resolution passed yesterday, the DHCBA called upon the Central government to withdraw the said notification forthwith.

The DHCBA criticised the Centre for going ahead with it despite the fact the an earlier notification of the Delhi government on this issue has been challenged and the same is pending in the Supreme Court.

The bar also accused the government of not consulting it on the issue affecting the litigating public and going back on its promise that enhancement of pecuniary jurisdiction would be done simultaneously with bifurcation of civil court into five district courts.

Bureau Report