A group of lawyers has formally written to the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) opposing the decision to resume serving non-vegetarian food at a Supreme Court canteen during the Navratri festival. The letter, led by advocate Rajat Nair, claims the decision was made “without considering the sentiments of other bar members.”
The letter argues that the move disregards the bar’s “pluralist traditions,” and shows “intolerance” and a “lack of respect for each other.” At least 133 lawyers practicing at the Supreme Court endorsed the protest, expressing their concern.
Earlier, a group of lawyers had raised issues when the canteen menu was limited to Navratri food during the nine-day festival. That decision was reversed on Friday, leading to the resumption of non-vegetarian options. Nair’s letter alleges that this rollback occurred “on the direction of the SCBA office bearers.”
“I am writing to formally register our strong protest against the unilateral action taken by SCBA and SCAORA following the letter dated 3.10.2024, written by a few members of our Bar regarding the serving of non-veg food and items containing onion/garlic during Navratri,” the letter reads.
Nair explained that, as the court was only scheduled to operate for two days during Navratri, it was requested that the main canteen serve Navratri food for those two days. He added that this would not have caused “irreparable harm,” as other canteens within the court premises continued to serve their regular menus, including non-vegetarian items.
While acknowledging that the court has since closed for vacations, the letter emphasizes that the issue has “outlived its life.” However, Nair stresses that the unilateral action taken by the SCBA and SCAORA without consulting the wider bar membership necessitated the formal protest to prevent similar incidents in the future.
