Sat Feb 22 05:33:21 UTC 2025: **Allahabad High Court Paralyzed by Lawyers’ Protest**
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – The Allahabad High Court’s functioning came to a standstill on Friday, February 21, 2025, as lawyers staged a protest against the shortage of judges and the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill.
The High Court Bar Association (HCBA) initiated the strike on Thursday to demand increased judicial staffing and the withdrawal of the controversial bill. Lawyers assembled at the high court’s main gate, refusing to enter the premises.
The HCBA president, Anil Tiwari, highlighted the critical shortage of judges. While the sanctioned strength is 160, the court currently operates with less than half that number – 55 judges, with an additional 23 serving at the Lucknow bench. This severe understaffing has led to a massive backlog of cases, some remaining unresolved for months. The HCBA is urging not only the filling of existing vacancies but also an increase in the sanctioned judge strength to manage the escalating caseload.
The lawyers also voiced strong opposition to the central government’s proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025. They contend that the bill’s provisions undermine the interests of advocates and the autonomy of bar associations. The bill seeks to redefine “legal practitioner” and “law graduate,” specifying qualifications and recognition criteria.
The protest underscores the growing concerns over judicial efficiency and the autonomy of the legal profession in India.
First Piper 