Protest launched against High Court, Panjim

Group of people led by senior High Court Adv.Jos Peter D'Souza today unfurled the banner of protest against lethargy of Goa Bench of Bombay High Court in setting up Sexual harassment committee. The dramatic protests took place at the International Centre, Dona Paula, Goa to coincide with the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Swatantra Kumar along with Justice Sinha from Supreme Court and Justice Nelson Britto of Goa Bench of Bombay High visited International Centre to start off training in mediation for some lawyers in North Goa.

Protesters prominently held a protest banner that read
"High Court at Panaji: Sexual Harassment?! No committee No Complaint"
Protesters also distributed the hand out to the public with question "Should sexual harassment Committee have priority over Mediation centre at High Court, Panaji? Yes or No. SMS 9822122399."

Justice Nelson Britto met up with agitating Adv. Jos Peter D'Souza and assured him a hearing with the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Swatantra Kumar with a request that the demonstration that caused embarrassment to the Judiciary be withdrawn immediately. Adv. D'Souza however turned down his offer and continued the protest at the entrance of the International centre this morning. Hearing with the Chief Justice Swatantra Kumar never materialized.

It may be recalled that on Goa Revolution Day June 18, 2009 Adv. Jos Peter D'Souza had paid rich tributes to Justice Khanna for being a lone judge on the constitution bench deciding whether the citizens have fundamental right to life in the case of emergency. Justice Khanna was a sole Judge to uphold the right to life under emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The rest of the four Judges succumbed to the political pressure and held that right to life can be dispensed with under the situation of emergency. Adv. D'Souza demanded statue of Liberty be build in India in honour of Justice Khanna.

Hardly two days had passed since he delivered his lecture on 'Judicial Accountability' and Adv. Peter started off the campaign to stand up for judiciary for the sake of judiciary.

Sebastian Rodrigues