The New Delhi Bar Association (NDBA) on Thursday announced suspension of the ongoing strike by lawyers in district courts after receiving assurances that Union Home Minister Amit Shah would personally hear their concerns regarding the contentious notification issued by the Lieutenant Governor on August 13.
The notification had proposed allowing police to virtually present evidence in courts, triggering widespread protests and a strike by district court lawyers from August 22.
In a communication to its members, the NDBA said the decision followed a meeting with a representative of the Home Minister. “It has been communicated that Home Minister Amit Shah would meet the representatives of the bar to discuss, address and resolve the concerns with an open mind,” the statement noted.
NDBA Secretary Tarun Rana further said Delhi Police Commissioner had clarified through a written statement that the notification would not be implemented until all stakeholders were consulted. “In view of the written positive response, the ongoing agitation, scheduled demonstration before the LG House on Friday and the call for abstinence from work in all district courts of Delhi is being suspended till the final outcome of the discussions and deliberations with the Union Home Minister,” Rana added.
The lawyers had launched their agitation on August 22, opposing what they termed an “arbitrary move” that undermined judicial procedures. The suspension of the strike now paves the way for dialogue, with the bar awaiting the meeting with Amit Shah to decide its next course of action.
