Lucknow Lawyers Extend Strike Till May 26 Over Alleged Police Lathicharge
Judicial and administrative work at the Lucknow district court and collectorate remained affected for the third consecutive day on Wednesday as lawyers intensified their agitation against the alleged police lathicharge during a demolition drive near the court premises on Sunday. The protest escalated after a 'mahapanchayat' of advocates was convened in Lucknow, attended by representatives of several bar associations and thousands of lawyers from across the district and other parts of Uttar Pradesh. During the meeting, lawyers unanimously resolved to continue their strike and collective boycott of work till May 26.
Background of the Agitation
The agitation stems from an alleged lathicharge by police during the demolition of advocates’ chambers near the old tehsil premises on May 17. Protesters accused the administration of using excessive force against advocates and demanded action against the police personnel involved. The joint general body meeting was chaired by Central Bar Association president Akhilesh Jaiswal and conducted by general secretary Avnish Dixit. Office-bearers and members of Awadh Bar Association, Lucknow Bar Association, Mohanlalganj Bar Association, BKT Bar Association, Revenue Bar Association, Royal Bar Association, and other bodies participated in the meeting.
Demands of the Lawyers
Avnish Dixit said that in resolutions passed during the meeting, lawyers demanded that land at the old tehsil complex on the civil court premises be leased to the Central Bar Association for advocates’ chambers and parking facilities. 'We have also sought allotment of vacant staff quarters land at the old high court for construction of chambers and parking spaces,' he said. The lawyers further authorised Central Bar Association office-bearers to pursue the matter before the high court on May 25.
Strike and Future Actions
Till then, all advocates in Lucknow district will remain on complete collective leave from May 21 to 26. Another general body meeting has been scheduled on May 26 to decide the future course of action. The lawyers also demanded strict action against Thakurganj SHO Omveer Singh, unidentified sub-inspectors, and 20-25 unidentified policemen allegedly involved in the lathicharge. They further sought immediate withdrawal of criminal cases registered against advocates at Wazirganj and Kaiserbagh police stations.
Impact on Judicial Work
Due to the strike, routine judicial proceedings, filing work, and administrative functioning at the district court and collectorate remained disrupted on Wednesday. The ongoing protest has significantly hampered legal services in the region, with litigants facing difficulties in accessing court services.
