Judicial, admin work disrupted as lawyers’ strike continues

Lucknow: Judicial and administrative work at the Lucknow district court and collectorate remained disrupted for the second consecutive day on Tuesday as lawyers continued their strike in protest of the alleged police lathicharge during a demolition drive of advocates’ chambers on Sunday.The collectorate premises wore a deserted look throughout the day, with many advocates abstaining from judicial work and shouting slogans against the police administration.Litigants and visitors faced inconvenience as several court proceedings and legal services were affected due to the boycott.The protest erupted after police allegedly used force on advocates during the demolition of temporary chambers near the court premises on Sunday, triggering outrage among members of the legal fraternity.Lawyers gathered at various points on the court premises and staged demonstrations, demanding action against the police personnel involved in the incident. Protesters accused the administration of high-handedness and alleged that advocates were targeted during the drive.Central Bar Association general secretary Avnish Dixit said the strike would continue for the third day and announced that a 'Mahapanchayat' of lawyers would be held in Lucknow on Wednesday to decide the future course of agitation.“Advocates from different districts across Uttar Pradesh are expected to participate in the meeting,” he said.Bar association members said the agitation could intensify if their demands were not fulfilled.Meanwhile, heavy police deployment continued around the court and collectorate premises to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.