'Everyday drama': SC censures govt over counsel's absenteeism

The Supreme Court on Monday censured the Punjab government over the 'absenteeism' of its advocates in cases and asked the state's advocate general to ensure their attendance.

- Press Trust of India

NEW DELHI:

A bench of justices J K Maheshwari and Aravind Kumar made the observation while hearing a plea filed by the state government against the Punjab and Haryana high court order of bail to former minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia on August 10, 2022.

"Advocate general of Punjab, we have already called you in one case. In your state, even after service of notice, your panel advocates in the Supreme Court are not appearing. We have already referred (to this) in two orders. This is everyday drama. State of Punjab means absent. It is happening not only in criminal cases, but civil cases as well. Nobody is appearing," the bench said.

The top court adjourned the plea by two weeks after the state government sought time. During the hearing, Punjab advocate general Gurminder Singh apologised to the court and assured the issue won't be repeated.