Shimla, Feb 22
The Shimla District Bar Association (SDBA) staged a protest on Saturday, boycotting court proceedings until 12:00 PM, against the central government’s proposed amendments to the Advocate Act.
Lawyers across the district expressed strong opposition to the move, alleging that the amendments aim to undermine the independence of the legal profession and impose government control over bar associations.
The protest was led by SDBA President Advocate Niranjan Verma, who addressed a gathering of lawyers at the district court complex in Shimla.
Verma accused the Central government of attempting to dilute the autonomy of legal professionals by introducing provisions that would allow government nominees to influence bar associations. He claimed that such measures are part of an autocratic agenda to control the legal fraternity and erode its independence.
Verma emphasized that the legal community across the country, under the banner of the All India Lawyers Union (AILU), is united in opposing the proposed amendments. He criticized the Central government for not consulting state and district bar associations, which have their own constitutions, before drafting the amendments. The move, he argued, disregards the democratic functioning of legal bodies and undermines their autonomy.
Senior advocates O.P. Chauhan and Ajay Sharma also addressed the gathering, expressing concern over the erosion of constitutional values under the current central government.
They highlighted the judiciary’s role as the last refuge for citizens in upholding justice and democracy. The lawyers warned that any attempt to interfere with the independence of the legal profession would have far-reaching consequences for the rule of law in the country.
Meanwhile, SDBA member Puneet Dhanta noted that the government had issued a clarification stating that it is not pressing for the amendments at this time. Following this assurance, the AILU has suspended its call for an indefinite protest. However, the legal fraternity remains vigilant and prepared to resist any future attempts to undermine their independence.
As a mark of protest, no cases, except criminal matters, were heard in the district courts until 12:00 PM. The SDBA’s demonstration reflects the legal community’s resolve to safeguard the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession from government overreach.
The protest has drawn attention to the broader issue of preserving democratic institutions and constitutional values in the face of increasing centralization of power.
