Ayodhya Ram Temple Pran Pratishta | SCBA President Urges Holiday/No Adverse Orders; Allahabad HC Bar Association Resolves To Abstain From Work; Himachal Pradesh HC Declares Holiday
Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala, Senior Advocate and President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, on Januray 21 wrote to the Chief Justice of India, Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, requesting the issuance of a public notification advising all benches of the Supreme Court not to pass any adverse orders on January 22, 2024. The request was made in light of the Pran Pratishttha ceremony of the Shree Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a highly significant and auspicious event for millions of people.
In the letter, Dr. Aggarwala acknowledged the global importance of the celebration, with simultaneous ceremonies planned not only across India but also throughout the world. The festivities are expected to commence early in the morning and extend late into the evening.
Dr. Aggarwala highlighted that, “Even though the main prayers are in Ayodhya, simultaneous ceremonies will take place in temples not only in India but throughout the world. The celebrations will commence early in the morning and continue until late evening. I understand that many Hon'ble Judges and Senior Law officers have been invited to Ayodhya, and they may also be participating in the prayers. In my capacity as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and the International Council of Jurists, London, I have also been honored with an invitation. Consequently, I will be attending the prayer ceremony in Ayodhya.”
The President of the Supreme Court Bar Association noted that several governments, including the Central Government and most State Governments, have declared a half-day holiday to allow citizens to partake in the prayer ceremony. In addition, Dr. Aggarwala urged the Chief Justice to consider declaring a holiday or issuing a public notification through the Supreme Court Registry to ensure that no adverse orders are passed on January 22, 2024.
While acknowledging the importance of maintaining a sufficient number of working days, the focus of the request was on avoiding adverse orders due to the special circumstances surrounding the Shree Ram Temple Pran Pratishttha.
On the other hand, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, in alignment with the State government's decision, have officially declared a holiday on January 22 for both the High Court and the district judiciary.
This announcement is in observance of the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Prior to this, various tribunals such as the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), and National Green Tribunal (NGT) had also declared either a half-day or full-day holiday on the same date.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court being the first issued a notification dated January 21 which read, “Pursuant to adoption of the Notification No.GAD-A(F)10-9/2022, dated 21 January, 2024 of the State Govt. of Himachal Pradesh, the Hon'ble High Court of Himachal Pradesh has been pleased to declare 22nd January, 2024 (Monday) as public holiday for High Court of Himachal Pradesh as well as District Judiciary in the State of Himachal Pradesh,”
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association also after an emergency meeting headed by President of the High Court Bar Association Advocate Ashok Kumar Singh on Sunday at 3.30 pm unanimously decided to abstain from work given the religious importance of the ceremony.
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