As soon as the court reopened this week, Justice B N Srikrishna's courtroom displayed a notice informing that matters in which the English language translations of the vernacular documents were not annexed would not be circulated before the bench.

Advocates appearing before the judge requested him to relax the condition. A delegation of the Advocates Association of Western India, headed by president Dilip B Bhonsale, met the judge in his chamber. ``We requested him not to insist on the translation. We also told him that he had never asked for translations in the past. However, he told us that whatever be the past practice, he could not accept any document which was not in the official language of the court,'' Bhonsale said.

Another delegation comprisingAdvocate General C J Sawant, Additional Advocate General Bal Apte and 15-odd senior counsels later met Chief Justice M B Shah. The CJ said he would look into the matter. While there is an Official Translator and Interpreter's office in the Bombay High Court building, this office cannot ensure speedy translations. ``In matters where urgent relief is sought from the court, timely presentation of the case is important.'' Bhonsale added. He said on an average, a litigant has to pay Rs 25 to 50 per translated page, which adds to the cost of litigation.

Justice Srikrishna refused to comment on the issue.