KHCAA Suspends Senior Advocate George Poonthottam Over Alleged Settlement Talk Without Association Nod

The Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA) has recently suspended Senior Advocate George Poonthottam for meeting the Chief Justice without the Association’s consent to resolve an issue involving Justice A Badharudeen.

Background

Last Friday, KHCAA members boycotted Justice Badharudeen’s court after he allegedly insulted Advocate Sarita Thomas, the wife of late Advocate Alex Scaria, when she requested time to file a vakalathnama in an appeal.

Senior Advocate George Poonthottam had been at the forefront of demanding action against Justice Badharudeen. While the Judge expressed willingness to apologise in chambers, KHCAA insisted that the apology be made in open court.

However, the matter took a turn when Advocate Sarita Thomas wrote to the Association, requesting them to drop further action. She stated that Justice Badharudeen had already expressed regret to her in a private meeting attended by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar, Justice A Muhamed Mustaque, and George Poonthottam.

KHCAA Suspends George Poonthottam

Despite this settlement, KHCAA President Yeshwant Shenoy objected to the resolution of the issue without the Association’s involvement. The KHCAA viewed Poonthottam’s actions as undermining its authority and decided to suspend him pending disciplinary action.

Additionally, the Association has resolved to request the Chief Justice of India to transfer Justice Badharudeen. This is not the first complaint against the Judge, as KHCAA has previously raised concerns about his conduct toward lawyers.

Judge’s Response

Meanwhile, sources close to Justice Badharudeen suggested that the controversy stemmed from a miscommunication. It was claimed that the Judge was unaware of Advocate Alex Scaria’s passing and did not realize that the woman appearing before him was his bereaved wife. Had he known, sources stated, she would have been given special consideration.

As the issue continues to unfold, the legal community remains divided over the handling of the matter.

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