Lawyers’ strike paralyses courts

Work in district courts in the National Capital Region was paralysed as lawyers went on a strike demanding withdrawal of the proposed changes in the CrPC.

Work in district courts in the National Capital Region was paralysed as lawyers went on a strike demanding withdrawal of the proposed changes in the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

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"Bar councils in as many as 55 districts including that of Ghaziabad, Noida, Moradabad, Bulandshahr, Almorah, Badaun, Hissar, Faridabad and Alwar are with us. The government should revoke the proposed amendments to the CrPC," said Rajiv Khosla, spokesperson, co-Ordination committee of All Bar Associations of Delhi.

"No public servant, including politicians, will be arrested in the Prevention of Corruption Act if the proposed amendments come into affect. In cases like the DDA scam, officials will be able to evade arrest for as long as possible. We will intensify the protest if no action is taken," added Khosla.

The Bar Associations sent a memorandum seeking withdrawal of the proposed amendments to the President, Union Home Minister and the Law Minister.

Courts had to adjourn all cases as lawyers concerned stayed away from work. This is the second time the lawyers' bodies have struck work over the issue.

The lawyers fear the proposed amendment removing mandatory arrest provisions in offences punishable up to seven years will remove fear from the minds of criminals who will misuse the provisions.