Date:12/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/12/stories/2008051250400200.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Bar Association to intensify stir for Bench

Special Correspondent

Thiruvananthapuram: The Thiruvananthapuram Bar Association has decided to step up its agitation for a High Court Bench in the capital city.

Inaugurating the 87th day of the relay satyagraha by lawyers and advocates’ clerks in front of the District Court here on Sunday, Bar Association president C.K.Sitaram condemned the delay in setting up the High Court Bench. “It is a matter of shame that the issue has been allowed to drag on for 87 days without a settlement when it could be resolved in a mater of hours by those who wield power in national politics and the central government,” he said while addressing a gathering.

Mr. Sitaram said the action council would adopt new forms of agitation when the courts reopen after the vacation. “We are being forced to intensify the stir,” he said.

On the 87th day, advocate Indusekhar Thampi, advocate clerk S.Vijayakumar and Karamana Ramasubramaniam of the Siva Sena began a 24-hour hunger strike. Varkala Radhakrishnan, MP, and advocates Vellayani Sreekumar, N. Sivaramakrishnan Nair, P. Rahim, Manmadhan Nair, Peroorkada Harikumar and Jayachandran and Kannamoola ward councillor R. Satheeshkumar addressed the satyagraha.

Action council general convener T.K.Ananthakrishnan presided over the meeting.