Delhi lawyers extend strike till Friday, protesting LG’s order allowing police to present evidence virtually. Massive protest planned outside LG House on August 29.
New Delhi: The strike by lawyers in Delhi district courts will continue for the next two days, as advocates strongly oppose a recent notification issued by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi. The notification, dated August 13, permits the police to present evidence virtually from police stations instead of appearing in person in courtrooms.
Since August 22, advocates practicing in Delhi’s district courts have been completely abstaining from work. This has now entered its fifth consecutive day, and the protest is set to intensify further.
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In an official communication, the New Delhi Bar Association (NDBA) announced that the decision to continue the strike has been taken collectively by its members.
The communication stated,
“It has been unanimously decided to continue to completely abstain from work on August 28 and 29 in all the district courts of Delhi against the arbitrary notification dated August 13 issued by the LG of Delhi.”
The lawyers argue that the notification undermines the functioning of the judicial system and impacts not only advocates but also the general public seeking justice. NDBA secretary Tarun Rana emphasized the seriousness of the issue and confirmed that larger demonstrations are being planned.
He said,
“Since the impugned notification is against the public at large, there shall be a massive demonstration on Friday, i.e., August 29 at noon outside LG House, 6, Raj Niwas Marg, Ludlow Castle, Civil Lines, New Delhi, by the advocates of all bar associations of Delhi to make aware the public at large of this arbitrary notification.”
Background
The controversy began after the Lieutenant Governor issued a notification allowing police officials to present evidence virtually from police stations rather than physically attending court hearings.
While the government has argued that this move is intended to modernize procedures, reduce time spent in travel, and make the process more efficient, the legal fraternity sees it as a threat to the fairness and transparency of judicial proceedings.
Lawyers fear that such virtual evidence presentations could weaken cross-examination, limit transparency, and create an imbalance in court proceedings where the accused may not get a fair opportunity to question the evidence.
Many bar associations across Delhi believe this could also pave the way for misuse of technology, affecting the rights of litigants and eroding the accountability of investigating agencies.
The strike, which began on August 22, has seen courts in the capital run without representation for litigants, delaying hearings and further increasing the already heavy pendency of cases.
Senior advocates and bar leaders have said that this is not just a professional issue for lawyers but a matter that affects the entire justice delivery system in Delhi.
Current Situation
With the strike now extended to Thursday and Friday, cases across all district courts in Delhi will continue to remain at a standstill.
The lawyers’ collective action shows no signs of slowing down, as they prepare for a large-scale protest outside the LG’s residence on August 29.
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