Protest Shuts Down Allahabad High Court: Lawyers Demand More Judges, Oppose Amendment Bill

Lawyers paralyzed the Allahabad High Court by abstaining from work due to insufficient judges and opposition to the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill. The High Court has only 55 judges against the sanctioned 160, worsening case backlogs. Lawyers demand increased judge numbers and oppose the bill for infringing advocates' rights.

The operations at the Allahabad High Court came to a standstill on Friday as lawyers abstained from judicial duties in protest. Their grievances center on the dwindling number of judges and the contentious Advocates (Amendment) Bill.

The High Court Bar Association (HCBA) resolved to boycott judicial work, drawing attention to alarming disparities in the sanctioned judicial strength. Currently staffed with just 55 judges, far below the approved 160, the backlog of cases grows daily.

In addition to demanding fulfillment of judicial appointments, the HCBA criticized the government's proposed changes to the Advocates Act, 1961. Lawyers claim these amendments undermine their independence and redefine key professional terms to their detriment.

(With inputs from agencies.)