In a pre-dawn operation, 151 temporary advocate chambers were demolished by PMC for illegal encroachment near Prayagraj district court, triggering protests by lawyers. Talks are underway for alternate arrangements.
Prayagraj: On June 11, a major demolition drive was carried out early morning on June 11 by a joint team of officials from the administration, police, and the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC).
The operation began at around 4 AM and involved the use of a JCB machine to remove 151 temporary chambers of advocates that were allegedly built illegally on roadside land near the Collectorate and district court premises.
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Alongside the advocate chambers, the authorities also removed about half a dozen roadside kiosks during the 90-minute-long drive.
This demolition was the result of previous notices issued by the PMC, asking for voluntary removal of these structures.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, the PMC had earlier pasted notices on the chambers, setting a deadline for the evening of June 10.
As the structures were not vacated by the deadline, the joint team proceeded with the demolition the next morning.
The operation was part of a wider initiative by the PMC, as last week, they also cleared encroachments from under the flyover outside the Allahabad High Court.
In response to the demolition, lawyers practicing at the district court halted their work and launched a protest. The District Advocates Association raised strong objections and demanded that alternative seating arrangements be made for the displaced members.
During the protest, tensions escalated as some advocates allegedly pelted stones, damaged vehicles of the PMC, vandalised the zonal office located in Katra, and blocked the road outside the district court. However, the situation was later brought under control.
A representative from the District Advocates Association, along with former and current office bearers, held discussions with the authorities to address the issue. According to the HT report, the road blockade was lifted around noon after preliminary talks.
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Later in the evening, the same delegation visited the Municipal Corporation office for further discussions with PMC officials. During this hour-long meeting, an agreement was reportedly reached to explore a permanent solution for the advocates.
As per reports,
“a proposal will be submitted to construct a building on the land opposite the SSP office to accommodate advocates’ chambers.”
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