Leader of Opposition, Punjab and Supreme Court lawyer, HS Phoolka, has been denied permission by the Delhi Bar Council to resume practice as he holds an “office of profit”. He also enjoys the rank and pay of a Cabinet Minister.
After suspending practice Phoolka had sought permission from the council to fight cases of 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims in various courts of New Delhi on March 30, when he became the Leader of the Opposition.
However, in a letter dated June 30, the council said that an advocate couldn’t resume practice unless he vacated the “office of profit”. Phoolka enjoys perks and salary of upto Rs 2 lakhs per month.
“I will discuss the matter with my party high command and the Bar Council before deciding the course of action. An MP or MLA can continue the practice, but a minister can’t. Till a final call is taken, I will be present in the court among the audience while my team will contest the cases”, says the advocate.
Wednesday onwards, hearings will be held in Delhi courts against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and others in the riot case.
On July 6, the Karkardooma court will hear a plea on Sajjan’s lie detector test. Sources close to Phoolka said the fight to get justice for riot victims was a sensitive and emotional issue for him.
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