Jammu: Prof.Bhim Singh, veteran Supreme Court lawyer and Executive Chairman of the State Legal Aid Committee has expressed displeasure at the unmindful and thoughtless statement of a junior lawyer appearing as defense counsel of the accused named in Kathua gangrape case calling an elected Chief Minister as a ‘Jehadi which is, he described, a derogatory remark against an official holding a constitutional rank in the system.
He said that he would not subscribe to the working and conduct of the Chief Minister in her dealings in many fields in the state. He, however describing an elected Chief Minister as ‘Jehadi’ cannot be accepted even within the meaning and scope of the Bar Council of India which has not been extended to the lawyers of J&K ever since it was born in New Delhi.
Prof.Bhim Singh hoped that young lawyers whatever school they belong must use the legal, respectful and acceptable language while dealing with the legal cases where they are meant for representing the legal interest of their clients and not the political philosophy they have inherited from the school of thought to which they belong.
This is also unfortunate that the leading newspapers are broadcasting such statements with ulterior motives to spread hatred of the people against another section. Prof Bhim also appealed to the press particularly the national press to be careful about using words and language which instigates rather provokes the sentiments of one community against another.
While terming the allegations level by the young lawyer against the CM of the state as provocative having potential to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in state, Prof.Bhim Singh urged the Bar Council of India to intervene to ensure that freedom of press is not misused for promoting the sentiments or propaganda of a particular group of people who intend to put communal harmony on fire least understanding that J&K is a crown of India.