Chief Public Prosecutor Amit Kumar has appealed to members of the Bar to come forward for dialogue and resolve the differences surrounding recent allegations against him, stressing that he has no ill feelings towards the legal fraternity.
Speaking on the controversy, Kumar said he was disturbed by what he described as a campaign in which he was portrayed as a “molester”, calling it “completely horrible” and “unacceptable”. However, he said his preference was to resolve the matter through communication rather than confrontation.
“I have nothing against the Bar. Bar members are my friends,” Kumar said, adding that there appeared to be some misunderstandings among members of the Bar.
He said he had always been willing to sit down with Bar members, discuss their concerns and clear any misunderstanding.
“I always wanted to talk and negotiate and clear” the issues, he said.
Kumar also invited anyone having material or evidence against him to make it public or place it before the government or the media, saying he was ready to provide documents and records from his side as well.
“I can give you the material, everything is on paper,” he said, adding that the relevant records were also available with the state Law Department.
The Chief Public Prosecutor said he was confident that the matter could be properly understood if the relevant documents and facts were examined.
Kumar also sought to explain the functioning of his office, stating that 11 lawyers work with his team without receiving payment from the state government. He said his team had compiled details of the legal work undertaken during August following the allegations raised against him.
According to Kumar, the records show that he dealt with 1,001 matters between August 1 and August 31, including legal opinions, advice, meetings, drafting and appearances.
“I will give you the case number, I will give you the material,” he said, inviting verification of the records.
Kumar also referred to proceedings before the High Court and allegations concerning the conduct of an advocate, saying that his actions in the matter were undertaken in discharge of his responsibilities as Chief Public Prosecutor.