Lawyers in Meerut began a strike on Wednesday to press for the long-standing demand for a high court bench in western Uttar Pradesh, with advocates staying away from judicial work and staging protests across the court premises. The agitation has received support from lawyers in 22 districts of western Uttar Pradesh.
Meanwhile, lawyers announced that a meeting of the Central Struggle Committee would soon be convened in Saharanpur to discuss the demand for a High Court bench. A joint meeting with office-bearers of the United Traders Association and other city-based associations is also planned.
Office-bearers of the Meerut Bar Association criticised the chief minister and BJP elected representatives from the district, alleging that they had made no efforts or extended support towards the establishment of a high court bench in western Uttar Pradesh. The agitation, however, has led to differences among lawyers, with advocates supporting the BJP opposing the decisions taken at the meeting. Office-bearers of the two bar associations are expected to withdraw vakalatnamas from courts, a move that could trigger further opposition from lawyers supporting the BJP.
Lawyers have also decided to prohibit all BJP elected representatives from entering the court premises.
Banners carrying the slogan “No Bench, No Vote” have been put up at the entrances of the court complex.
