Wednesday, July 13 2005 14:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Government has decided to bring in an ordinance to remove the "objectionable" provisions in the amendments to the CrPc and maintain status quo in respect of these provisions.

An assurance to this effect was given by the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, when representatives of various prominent associations of advocates met her at the secretariat in Chennai this afternoon (July 13, 2005).

The advocates have been boycotting the High Court since July 6, protesting against the amendments to the CrPc.

In a statement, Jayalalithaa said the subject of CrPc was in the concurrent list and the State was 'competent' to bring forth amendments by following the procedures contemplated in the Constitution.

"Accordingly, an ordinance is immediately being drafted and will be promulgated following the procedure prescribed. This ordinance will be referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs, for obtaining the previous instructions of the President of India, under Art 213 of the Constitution," the Chief Minister pointed out.

The office bearers of the Madras High Court Advocates Association, the Federation of District and subordinate Courts Bar Associations of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, the Madras Bar Association, Women Lawyers Association and others presented memoranda to her explaining their concerns over the recent amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPc) based on Central Act passed by Parliament.