High drama and tense moments were witnessed in the Madras High court today as a group of advocates stormed into the Chief Justice's court hall demanding that Tamil be made the official language of the court.
About 20 advocates carrying placards written in English and Tamil and with black ribbons tied around their mouths in symbolic protest entered the court hall presided by Acting Chief Justice Satish K Agnihotri and Justice M M Sundresh while they were hearing a case.
The incident irked Justice Agnihotri who denounced the attitude of advocates and said, "This is a court hall and not a forum or place for demonstration. If you do not go out, we will go. Maintain the decorum."
As the clamour continued, Justice Agnihotri and Justice Sunderesh called off the hearing and returned to their respective chambers.
Several advocates have been on fast for more than a week demanding withdrawal of an administrative order issued by High Court in 1994 disallowing Tamil for arguments and judgements.
A verbal duel was witnessed when senior advocate G Rajagopalan disapproved the disruption of court proceedings.
R C Paul Kanakaraj, President of Madras High Court Advocates Association pacified the agitating advocates.
Opposing the protest of the advocates, social activist 'Traffic' Ramaswamy created a stir by sleeping on the floor near the Chief Justice's Chamber.
