Allahabad High Court Criticizes Lawyers' Protests Over Demolition Drive in Lucknow

The Allahabad High Court has postponed to June 8 a key hearing regarding advocate protests against an anti-encroachment drive in Lucknow. Lawyers are accused of obstructing the demolition of unauthorized structures outside a Civil Court, drawing court criticism and warnings of criminal contempt.

The Allahabad High Court has set June 8 as the date to revisit a plea concerning advocate protests against a demolition operation near the Civil Court complex in Lucknow. The court expressed its dissatisfaction with how the demolition was handled and responded to the lawyers' objections.

The Lucknow Bench took exception to a viral video showing lawyers allegedly sharing batons as opposition to the anti-encroachment efforts targeting chambers on unauthorized land in Kaisarbagh. The demolition, directed by the High Court and conducted by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, faced significant challenges from the protesting legal community.

During the proceedings, the court questioned the tactics employed by the protesting lawyers, cautioning against hindering lawful duties and alluding to possible criminal contempt charges. The municipal commissioner reported that a mere 14 out of 72 identified illegal structures were demolished due to these obstructions.

The court addressed claims by the lawyers that the demolitions were improperly conducted without adequate identification. It acknowledged an error affecting a rental shop linked to the district court, noting corrective measures, including shop relocation and compensation. The bench remarked on past incidents where emergency services were impeded due to encroachments, stressing the necessity for compliance with court orders.