Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 10 Jun: Lawyers from across Uttarakhand, in the plains as well in the hills, staged protests today against the government’s online registry system, bringing judicial work to a standstill across the state. Thousands of advocates attempted to gherao the Secretariat in Dehradun but were stopped by police barricades en route.
The protesting lawyers argued that the online registry system would not only adversely affect their livelihood but also create technical difficulties for the general public. They clarified that while they are not entirely opposed to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), they are demanding certain amendments, which they insist should be made in consultation with legal professionals.
Today, under the leadership of the Dehradun Bar Association, lawyers took to the streets in large numbers, attempting to besiege the Secretariat. The impact of the protest was felt statewide, with judicial work completely paralysed. Earlier, on 6 June, lawyers had observed a strike limited to Sub-Registrar offices, ADM, and SDM offices, but today’s agitation extended to all courts across Uttarakhand.
Similar protests have been reported from various parts of the state, where lawyers have voiced their opposition to the online registry system, citing concerns over job security and procedural challenges.
The lawyers stated that on 5 March, a meeting was held with presidents and secretaries of all Bar Associations in Garhwal Mandal, along with members of the Bar Council of Uttarakhand, to discuss issues affecting the future of advocates. They highlighted concerns regarding the limited role of lawyers in the UCC, particularly in marriage registrations and property wills, where their services are no longer required. Additionally, they warned that the government’s push for online registries would further reduce legal work available to advocates.
The protests also saw participation from typists, stamp vendors, and ‘baste walas’ (legal document carriers), reflecting the widespread impact of the agitation. No court-related work was conducted across Uttarakhand today, with court premises remaining deserted due to the strike.
The protesting lawyers warned the government that, if their demands are not addressed soon, all registry-related work across the state, whether online or offline, would remain suspended.
The lawyers further reiterated that not all advocates are opposing the UCC, but emphasised that the implementation of online registries, including online marriage registrations, has severely impacted their livelihood, posing significant challenges to the legal fraternity.
