Delhi lawyers to boycott judicial work on July 15 in protest against the new criminal laws. The legal community is raising concerns about the potential impacts these laws could have on justice and legal processes. This demonstration reflects growing discontent among lawyers regarding recent legislative changes.
New Delhi: Delhi’s legal community initiated protests against the newly introduced criminal laws, arguing that some of the provisions excessively harsh. Lawyers across all courts in Delhi unanimously decided to boycott judicial work on July 15.
The Coordination Committee of the All District Courts Bar Association in Delhi, led by General Secretary Atul Kumar Sharma and Chairman Jagdeep Vats, issued a call to action today, urging the legal community to stand against the new laws, which they assert violate fundamental human rights.
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The appeal specifically condemned provisions related to police custody, arguing that they would impede the justice process. Sunil Kumar, Secretary of the All India Lawyers Union’s Delhi unit, pointed out that the new “Indian Civil Protection Code” includes a clause (Section 187(3)) that could extend police custody from 15 days to 60-90 days. This significant increase from the previous 15-day limit set by the Code of Criminal Procedure raises concerns about increased custodial mistreatment and a direct assault on the rights of detainees.
Another controversial aspect of the new legislation is Section 37, which mandates the public disclosure of information about arrested individuals. Lawyers argue that this provision infringes on the constitutional right to privacy. Kumar highlighted that this clause violates international agreements and disregards the rights of the arrested, thereby undermining their human rights and dignity.
In summary, Delhi’s lawyers protesting the newly introduced criminal laws, which they believe impose excessively harsh provisions, particularly concerning extended police custody and public disclosure of arrested individuals’ details. The legal community views these changes as violations of basic human rights and constitutional protections.
By boycotting court activities, the lawyers aim to draw attention to their concerns and pressure lawmakers to reconsider or amend the new laws. This collective action highlights the gravity with which the legal profession views these changes and their potential implications for the rule of law and judicial fairness in Delhi.
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The three new criminal laws, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam officially came into effect on July 1.
In a press conference held later that day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah noted that after nearly 77 years of independence, the criminal justice system now become entirely indigenous, operating in accordance with Indian values and principles.