The matter became obvious when earlier this month two Dahod-based lawyers were at loggerheads with both of them insisting to have their names inscribed on the foundation plaque of the new fast track court.

While one of them — Arvind Parikh — claimed that his name should be inscribed on the plaque as he was the “real” president of the Bar Association of Dahod, another lawyer –Manilal Baria – said the plaque should have his name as he had recently won the bar association election.

The district administration intervened and removed both the plaques from the place. Enraged at this, Parikh has threatened to move the High Court.

The district judge, A K Shukla, said the court premises should not become a place for infighting among the members of the bar associations.

"We decided to remove the boards which were creating an unpleasant atmosphere in the court," said Shukla, who after consulting other judges and district administration officials removed both the boards on February 11.

He said, "When State Law Minister, Ashok Bhatt, had come to inaugurate the premises on 13th August, 2008, the plaques carried no names. Later, some time in December, Parikh got a plaque carrying his name fixed at the entrance of the court."

When the new court was recently inaugurated on February 18, the entrance had a plaque carrying Baria's name. Parikh cried foul alleging that Baria's election was illegal. He said he had already taken the matter to the High Court.

While Baria was not available for his comment, Dahod (Rural) police confirmed that the newly elected president had lodged not just a theft complaint but also filed charges of atrocity against Parikh for allegedly trying to steal the two plaques and damaging the court property.