A major anti-encroachment operation by the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Wednesday morning led to the demolition of 151 temporary advocate chambers allegedly built illegally along the roadside near the Collectorate and district court premises. The move triggered strong protests by the legal fraternity, who halted judicial work and demanded alternative seating arrangements.
The demolition drive, which began at 4 AM, was carried out by a joint team of PMC staff, administrative officials, and police personnel using a JCB machine. In a 90-minute operation, the team also cleared half a dozen roadside kiosks. Vehicular movement in the area was temporarily suspended during the drive.
The PMC had issued removal notices last week, setting a deadline that expired on Tuesday evening. With no compliance, the demolition was initiated early Wednesday. This follows a similar encroachment removal operation outside the Allahabad High Court premises last Monday.
In response, district court lawyers ceased judicial work and staged protests. The District Advocates Association declared a boycott of court proceedings and insisted that the administration provide alternative arrangements for advocates displaced by the demolition.
Protests turned tense when some lawyers began pelting stones, damaging PMC vehicles and vandalising its zonal office in Katra. They also blocked the road in front of the district court, severely affecting traffic and disrupting operations at the Collectorate. Security was tightened with the deployment of additional police and RAF personnel.
By noon, the road blockade was lifted, and a delegation from the District Advocates Association, including current and former office bearers, met with municipal officials at around 4:30 PM. After an hour-long meeting, officials proposed to allocate land in front of the SSP office for the construction of a new advocates’ chamber complex.
