Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 15 Nov: Lawyers across Uttarakhand remained on a full-day strike on Saturday, marking the sixth consecutive day of their ongoing agitation for the construction of chambers on the vacant land of the old district court. Unlike previous days, when the protest lasted only for a few hours and court work subsequently resumed, proceedings were completely paralysed across all courts in the state under the banner of Bar Associations. Lawyers have warned the government of an escalation in their protest if their demands are not addressed promptly.
The agitation, which began with symbolic road blocks in Dehradun from November 6, has now escalated into a much bigger agitation, spreading across the state. On Monday last, lawyers had blocked roads for one hour, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, On Tuesday, the protest was extended to two hours, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. This phased agitation has continued over the past five days, culminating in today’s statewide strike, which is collectively supported by the Bar Associations throughout Uttarakhand in support of the Doon Bar Association.
The advocates are opposing the proposal to build a night shelter, commonly referred to as Rain Basera, on the premises of the District Judge Court. Office bearers of the Bar Association have contended that the number of lawyers and staff within the court complex far exceeds the capacity of the currently allotted land. They point out that the courts in Dehradun regularly accommodate around 5,000 lawyers, 5,000 typists and vendors, as well as a sizeable number of litigants daily. The demand centres on the allocation of additional land located at the Civil Compound on Haridwar Road within the District Judge Court premises, specifically for the construction of chambers.
Manmohan Kandwal, president of the Bar Association, voiced firm opposition to the Health Department’s plan to establish a night shelter on the Civil Compound land at Haridwar Road. Kandwal reiterated the intention to continue phased protests until the lawyers’ demands are met, highlighting that several other states routinely provide separate chamber facilities for lawyers. He remarked that both the judiciary and lawyers constitute two vital wheels of the same carriage, and such provisions are essential.
Kandwal further emphasised that Dehradun’s lawyers regularly represent the government in numerous cases and they also fought legal battles on behalf of statehood activists. He alleged that, despite such contributions, the government continues to neglect the welfare of lawyers. While the strike has been peaceful so far, Kandwal warned that, should the government fail to accede to their demands, the agitation is likely to intensify, with the authorities bearing full responsibility for any ensuing developments.
