Coimbatore Lawyers Announce Boycott Until November 4 Over Proposed Munsif Court Relocation

Coimbatore: The Coimbatore Bar Association has unanimously resolved to abstain from court proceedings across all district courts in Coimbatore until November 4, opposing the proposed relocation of the Munsif Courts functioning in the heritage building at the District Combined Court Complex.

The decision was taken at a general body meeting held on Friday, October 30, following discussions on two communications received from the District Judge, dated October 28 and October 29, concerning the relocation of the courts.

The association condemned the judicial administration’s decision to relocate the civil courts without prior consultation with the Bar Association, advance notice or sufficient time for its members to prepare for the move. The members unanimously demanded that the judicial administration immediately halt the relocation process and withdraw its decision.

The general body further resolved that if the demand was not addressed, all association members would abstain from court work across the Coimbatore district courts until Wednesday, November 4. Another general body meeting has been scheduled for 3 pm on November 4 to review the situation and decide on further action based on the members’ views.

Justice P. Velmurugan, Judge of the Madras High Court and Portfolio Judge of Coimbatore district, recently inspected the Combined Court Complex and directed the shifting of all courts functioning in the heritage building.

The heritage structure is reportedly in a deteriorated condition, which has further worsened following the recent rains. A portion of the ceiling reportedly came off in September, raising concerns over the safety of those using the premises. The possibility of further structural deterioration if the building is left unattended has also prompted the relocation decision.

Accordingly, all the District Munsif Courts in Coimbatore, from the Principal District Munsif Court to the Fifth Additional District Munsif Court, are to be shifted to the Coimbatore Corporation shopping complex near the Power House at Tatabad.

However, the proposed relocation has triggered opposition from the Bar Association, which has demanded that the judicial administration reconsider its decision and hold consultations with the advocates before proceeding with the move. The association has maintained that adequate notice and sufficient time should be provided before relocating the courts.