A news item of former Justice BP Das regarding denial of his promotion as the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court has come as a startling surprise, said All Odisha lawyers’ Association president Gyana Ranjan Mohanty and general secretary Bibhu Prasad Tripathy at a Press conference here.
They said that an alleged piece of land in question allotted in 1979 in favour of Justice Deepak Misra was cancelled by the
ADM, Cuttack in 1985 in a suo moto revision case.
It was then the duty and responsibility of the Government to delete the same from the Record of Rights. Justice Misra had not at any point of time shown his interest in obtaining the piece of land nor had he shown any interest in challenging the ADM’s order.
What has been alleged is all a cock and bull story, only intended to malign Justice Misra. They said it is not understood why the Government in the concerned department maintained unreasonable silence in not taking appropriate steps.
Furthermore, Justice Das’ interview with media long after four years of his retirement is completely intriguing and appears to be purported to spearhead a malicious campaign against Justice Misra. It also appears to be part of an organised conspiracy against an Odia Judge of the Supreme Court of India who has every possible chance of being promoted to be the Chief Justice of the apex court.
The release said Justice Das relied on heard stories rather than facts and it shows he acted at the behest of some elements with vested interest determined to spread calumny against Justice Misra. Such type of malicious campaign based on white lies is to be summarily rejected by all men of reason, they said.
The association called upon the lawyers of the State and all Bar associations not to get swayed away by the stupendous lies.
It also urged the President of India to preserve, protect and defend clean and honest persons like Justice Misra.