The Allahabad High Court has taken a significant decision against the frequent strikes by lawyers in Uttar Pradesh, issuing a blanket ban on such actions across the state. The court declared that engaging in strikes would violate the Supreme Court’s directives and could be considered contempt of court.
During a hearing of a criminal contempt proceeding against the District Bar Association of Prayagraj, the division bench, comprising Justices Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Dr. Gautam Choudhary, stated that the practice of lawyers striking disrupts judicial proceedings and undermines the legal process.
The Bar Council of India has expressed commitment to ensuring the smooth conduct of court proceedings without unnecessary disruptions caused by strikes. They are actively working towards maintaining discipline and decorum in legal practices across the state.
Court’s Directive to Bar Associations
The court’s ruling responded to frequent disruptions caused by the District Bar Association of Prayagraj, which affected not only the judiciary’s functioning but also posed significant inconveniences to petitioners. As a result, the court has taken a stringent stance, instructing not only the Bar Council of India but also local bar associations to cooperate fully with this directive to prevent any strikes at district courts.
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Future Compliance and Hearings
The high court has scheduled the next hearing for August 7, where it expects a report on compliance with its orders from district courts across Uttar Pradesh. The initial reports had shown that lawyer strikes had significantly hampered judicial work in most district courts, prompting the court to take this proactive measure.
