A controversy over the alleged violation of procedure during the recent seizure of the car of the Belagavi Deputy Commissioner was amicably resolved in presence of Bar Association members in Belagavi on July 20.
Following a court order, the official vehicle of DC Mohammad Roshan was seized for delay by the Minor Irrigation Department in payment to a contractor for work done in 1992.
However, the controversy arose on July 18 when, instead of court officials, the contractor took the key of the vehicle and drove it for some distance. This was deemed unlawful.
On July 19, the court was informed. The DC’s office filed a formal complaint against the act, which was perceived as unauthorised.
The situation was resolved peacefully following intervention of the Bar Association. Bar Association president S. S. Kiwadsaanavar, and advocates Nitin Bolabandi, N. R. Latur, Dinakar Shetty, Neeta Potdar, Rajashree Sapuji, and others mediated. In a meeting called by Bar Association members, the contractor sought an unconditional apology from the DC. DC Mohammad Roshan accepted the apology, and agreed to drop charges.
“Bar Association members thanked the DC for his restraint, and acknowledged that the incident, though serious, was settled through dialogue. The Minor Irrigation Department, whose inaction had triggered the dispute, also apologised and deposited the required amount promptly, admitting that the DC was wrongly dragged into the issue,” said an officer, who attended the meeting.
“It was a minor misunderstanding. It was resolved after the intervention of the Bar Association and with the DC agreeing not to pursue the complaint. This shows that both the Bar and district administration have reaffirmed their commitment to mutual respect and upholding the dignity of the judiciary,” said Mr. Latur, who attended the meeting.