In a symbolic gesture to show that they are willing to return to their family vocation, a section of advocates today placed their law books and gowns in front of the portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar at the district session court premises in Thanjavur.

Led by senior advocate Nalladurai, they felt both the Madras High Court and the State Government have not shown any interest in finding a solution to the two-month long lawyers agitation.

They also raised slogans urging the Madras High Court to withdraw the amendments made to the Advocates Act.

Talking to the media later, Nalladurai said by bringing in a controversial amendment to the Act, “the High Court wants all advocates to raise their voice and eyebrows in front of the judges” while the Constitution has guaranteed freedom of expression.

“The High Court tries to create a situation where the court proceedings could be conducted without the advocates’ participation,” Nalladurai added.

“Both the High Court and the State Government have not shown any interest in bringing an end to the agitation. We have no other option but to quit legal profession and take up our family vocation,” he said.