New Delhi, July 21 (IANS) Lawyers here organised a mock funeral procession of two senior lawyers Monday to protest what they alleged was nepotism in appointment of a member to the Delhi Bar Council. The lawyers said the membership was promised to the kin of a recently deceased lawyer. The lawyers organized a mock funeral procession of Delhi Bar Council president K.K. Manan and former president of the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHBCA) Amarjeet Singh Chandok.

“A month ago one of the senior counsel, R.K. Kochar, passed away due to heart disease. He was the first member to be elected to the association. After his death, in his prayer meet K.C. Mittal, chairman of DHCBA, promised all the lawyers that Kochar’s son Rakesh Kochar, also a member of the Shahdara Bar Association, will be made a member of the Delhi Bar Council and can avail the opportunity of filling up the vacant seat,” said D.D.Pandey, lawyer leading the protest.

However, two days back, Manan appointed Chandiok as the member of the council instead of Kochar.

“This is sheer injustice, how can you not abide by what you promise in front of everyone? We are very upset and will carry on the protest till the time Rakesh is made the member of the council,” said another member of the association.

Manan, however, could not be reached to get his version of the story. The lawyers are planning to continue the protest Tuesday as well.