Dhanbad Civil Court Comes to Standstill as Lawyers Launch Indefinite Strike Over Blocked Access Route
Judicial proceedings at the Dhanbad civil court experienced a complete shutdown on Thursday following the initiation of an indefinite strike by the Dhanbad Bar Association (DBA). The legal professionals are protesting against the sudden closure of a crucial access road situated within the premises of the Sadar Hospital, which has severely disrupted court operations and created significant inconvenience for litigants and the general public.
Road Closure Sparks Widespread Disruption and Inconvenience
The Dhanbad Bar Association has emphasized that this particular road has served as a vital connection to the bar building for numerous years. Advocates have consistently relied on this pathway for their daily commute and for parking their vehicles while attending court. The recent construction of a boundary wall by the district administration has permanently obstructed this passage, creating immediate accessibility challenges.
The abrupt sealing of this route has not only affected lawyers but has also created substantial difficulties for litigants, senior citizens, women, and other individuals who regularly visit the court premises. The pen-down strike by advocates has brought court proceedings to a virtual standstill, exacerbating the existing problems related to parking availability and overall accessibility within the judicial complex.
Protest March and Failed Negotiations with Administration
On Wednesday, members of the Dhanbad Bar Association organized a protest march from the court premises to Randhir Verma Chowk, vocally expressing their dissatisfaction with the district administration's decision. The lawyers carried placards and chanted slogans demanding the immediate reopening of the blocked road. They highlighted that the bar building maintains a direct connection to this now-closed route, forcing advocates to take considerably longer alternative paths to reach their destination.
The association revealed that multiple rounds of discussions have already taken place with district administration officials regarding this pressing issue. However, these meetings have yielded only verbal assurances without any concrete action or practical resolution to address the lawyers' legitimate concerns. Litigants are reportedly experiencing acute problems related to both parking and accessibility, resulting in unnecessary delays and considerable hardship during their court visits.
Lawyers Vow to Continue Strike Until Demands Are Met
DBA general secretary Jitendra Kumar articulated the legal community's frustration, stating, "The advocates have always maintained a cooperative approach with the administration. Nevertheless, the current attitude displayed by the administration is genuinely disappointing. Our strike will persist without interruption until the blocked route is fully restored and permanent parking facilities are properly ensured for all stakeholders."
The ongoing agitation underscores deeper systemic issues concerning urban planning and infrastructure management around judicial complexes. The complete cessation of judicial work in Dhanbad highlights how administrative decisions regarding public access routes can have far-reaching consequences on the delivery of justice and public convenience.
