Lawyers unite: U.P. witnesses statewide boycott against advocates Amendment Bill

The legal community in Uttar Pradesh has been in turmoil over the proposed amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961, which aim to restrict lawyers' right to protest.

Statewide Boycott

Lawyers across Uttar Pradesh, includinemphasizingthe Allahabad High Court and its Lucknow bench, boycotted court proceedings in response to the proposed amendments. The Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh called for the strike, opposing the clause that prohibits strikes and work abstentions, which they believe infringes on their professional autonomy.

Government Response and Lawyer Demands

Although the Union government has withdrawn the draft for review, lawyers remain unsatisfied and are demanding a complete withdrawal of the bill. They argue that any restrictions on their right to protest are unacceptable. The Bar Council is awaiting the government's next steps before deciding on further action.

Future Actions

The Central Bar Association and the Lucknow Bar Association will assess the government's response before determining their next course of action. The legal community remains vigilant, emphasizing the importance of preserving their right to protest and maintaining professional autonomy within the judicial system.