The Supreme Court Today (Dec 20) disallowed bar associations in Uttar Pradesh from organizing strikes or abstaining from judicial work on court working days. This order was passed during the hearing of a case concerning the Faizabad District Bar Association’s strikes. A Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan observed that if such actions occur, the High Court is at liberty to initiate suo motu proceedings against the responsible office bearers of the concerned bar body and even remove them from their posts.
Today, On 19th December, The Supreme Court ordered a 30% reservation for women in Delhi bar associations on a trial basis. A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan gave this decision after hearing petitions asking for up to 33% women’s quota in these groups. The goal is to improve gender balance in the legal field. The results of this order will be carefully observed.
Today, On 6th December, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition against lawyers affiliated with political parties participating in Bar Council elections, asserting that political beliefs do not disqualify their involvement. The Court emphasized the independence of bar associations and allowed individuals to hold office despite political ideologies, highlighting the need for balancing responsibilities and beliefs.
Today, On 6th November, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition regarding lawyers’ mental health, urging Bar Associations to provide support instead of seeking court intervention. The Chief Justice emphasized the importance of proactive measures for mental wellness in the legal profession, highlighting a significant lack of targeted resources in India compared to other countries.
The Delhi High Court has ordered the government to report on the Advocate Protection Act’s implementation in response to rising violence against lawyers. The Bar Council of India has proposed the Advocates Protection Bill, 2021, to safeguard lawyers, emphasizing the need for legislation similar to the recently passed Rajasthan Advocates Protection Bill, 2023.
The Delhi High Court Bar Association rejected a proposal to reserve four out of ten executive committee posts for women, despite a Supreme Court recommendation for better gender representation. The decision, opposed mainly by male members, contradicts ongoing appeals for women’s reservations in legal leadership, with upcoming court reviews set to influence future elections.
The Allahabad High Court condemned the frequent strikes by lawyers, emphasizing their detrimental effects on the legal profession’s reputation and justice delivery. It instructed district judges in Uttar Pradesh to stop circulating strike resolutions from Bar Associations, highlighting that such actions hinder court operations and public trust. The court urged lawyers to fulfill their duties responsibly.
The Tamil Nadu government today has formed a one-man committee to suggest changes to new criminal laws. Chief Minister MK Stalin urged the committee to consult stakeholders and submit a report within a month. The laws, criticized for lack of proper discussion, sparked protests nationwide. Karnataka also seeks state-level amendments. The Union Government passed the laws in haste and without proper consultation.
The Bar Council of Kerala has declared July 11 as a “protest day” against the proposed increase in court fees for cases related to negotiable instruments and family court matters. Practicing advocates are urged to wear black badges during court hours to oppose the fee hike, aiming to highlight the challenges faced by lawyers and litigants.
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Today, On 26th June, The Bar Council of India urged the suspension of new criminal laws amid nationwide protests, emphasizing the need for careful reconsideration due to public dissent. Legal experts have expressed serious concerns about the potential threats to fundamental rights and democratic principles. The BCI plans to engage with the government and appeal for temporary halting of protests for dialogue.