Allahabad High Court Voices Concern Over Prolonged Lawyers’ Strike
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The Allahabad High Court, located in Prayagraj, has openly expressed its dissatisfaction with the ongoing strike by lawyers, which commenced on August 30. The strike, which has seen lawyers across the state abstaining from work, is a protest against the police lathi charge on lawyers in Hapur district.
Justice Kshitij Shailendra, while addressing a petition filed by Dinesh Kumar, highlighted the significance of each case that comes before the court. He remarked,
“Cases are not disposable commodities to be treated as mere statistics. Their purpose is not to provide a livelihood for lawyers or provide a monthly disposal quota to judges. Each case that comes before a judge, has an element of a human problem concerning the life, liberty, livelihood, family business, profession, work, shelter, safety, and security of the citizen.”
The court further emphasized the plight of many litigants, particularly those from the weaker sections of society. Justice Shailendra observed,
“Many of the litigants belonging to the downtrodden and weaker sections of society are defenceless, poor, and ignorant. Their silent cry for a civilized human solution to their grievances and problems, and for a level playing field is a call for justice, to be felt and heard not only by the judges but also by the lawyers.”
Despite the challenges posed by the strike, the court has refrained from taking drastic measures such as dismissing cases due to the absence of legal representation. Instead, the court has chosen to adjourn cases, exercising judicial restraint. The court stated,
“However, this court, exercising judicial restraint, refrains itself from taking any such step or making any such observation, as it may add to further woes to the litigants, who have reposed confidence and faith in the institution of justice and may also result in further chaos or clash.”
The next hearing on this matter has been scheduled for October 13.
