Lawyers on strike, cases continue

New Delhi: Lawyers observing a strike across Delhi’s district courts on Monday faced strict action from judges, who imposed costs, refused adjournments and passed adverse orders in several cases.

The strike followed a recent altercation between lawyers and Rohini court judge Rakesh Kumar. Although the Delhi high court administration transferred the judge to the judicial academy, bar associations continued with their protest.

Judges across district courts reportedly remarked that the strike was illegal and proceeded with hearings despite the absence of lawyers. Several advocates complained that courts were no longer granting routine adjournments during the strike.

A serving district judge told TOI that while the high court acted quickly against the judge, no action had been taken against the lawyer involved in the incident. Senior Bar members, however, said the situation escalated after a judges’ association issued a statement criticising the boycott.

At the Rohini court, protesting lawyers briefly stopped judges from leaving the complex while pressing their demands. Lawyers denied claims of any prolonged gherao.

The strike was called off late Monday night after talks between representatives of the bar and the bench.