Allahabad High Court Takes Strong Stand Against Illegal Lawyer Chambers in Lucknow
The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has issued a firm directive against the proliferation of illegally constructed advocates' chambers on public pathways across key administrative and legal complexes in the city. Expressing strong objection, the court has mandated immediate action to address this significant public nuisance.
Court Directs Authorities to Clear Encroachments
In a decisive order, a bench comprising Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajiv Bharti has instructed the district administration and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) to take swift action. The court has specifically directed the removal of these unauthorized structures and summoned an action-taken report by May 6. Furthermore, the police have been ordered to assist the LMC in executing this removal process effectively.
The court emphasized that such illegal chambers cannot be permitted to operate as they cause substantial inconvenience to residents and passersby. The order was passed in response to a writ petition filed by Anuradha Singh and others, highlighting the gravity of the issue.
Widespread Illegal Constructions Identified
The court's scrutiny revealed that a large number of lawyers have erected chambers without authorization in critical public areas. These locations include:
- The old High Court premises
- District and sessions court
- Collectorate and Board of Revenue offices
- Old Sadar tehsil premises
- Sub-registrar office and commissionerates
- Power sub-station and Balrampur Hospital
- Kaiserbagh bus station and transport department workshop
Beyond lawyer chambers, the encroachments extend to permanent photocopy and typing shops, as well as illegal occupation by fruit vendors, compounding the obstruction in these zones.
Public Interest and Tragic Consequences
Declaring the matter one of public interest, the court has ordered its registry to register a separate Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to ensure sustained focus on the issue. A particularly distressing incident was brought to the court's attention, where an ambulance was unable to pass through an area due to illegal encroachments, resulting in the death of a patient inside. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for clearance.
Municipal Corporation's Findings and Proposed Solutions
In a previous hearing, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation submitted a report identifying 72 illegal lawyer chambers so far. The corporation had written to the District Magistrate and Police Commissioner seeking assistance for removal, indicating ongoing efforts but insufficient enforcement.
Acknowledging the legitimate need for workspace, the court noted that several new chambers have been constructed for lawyers in the district and sessions court and the collectorate complex. These facilities are slated for allotment soon, providing a legal alternative to the current illegal setups.
The court's comprehensive order aims to restore order and accessibility to public pathways, ensuring they serve their intended purpose without unlawful hindrances.
