Delhi Courts Paralyzed: Lawyers Strike over Controversial Police Deposition Notification
Delhi District Court Bar Associations launched a two-day strike opposing the Lieutenant Governor's mandate allowing police depositions from stations. The protest halted court proceedings, including the significant Delhi Riots case. Bar leaders call for the notification's withdrawal, citing threats to justice and judicial independence.
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Lawyers in Delhi, affiliated with the District Court Bar Associations, initiated a two-day strike on Friday against a controversial notification issued by the Lieutenant Governor concerning police depositions. This strike led to the adjournment of several cases, notably the high-profile Delhi Riots conspiracy case, now postponed until August 27.
The protest was unanimously declared by the Coordination Committee of All District Bar Associations of Delhi, following an emergency meeting on Thursday evening. The notification, issued by the Lieutenant Governor, permits police depositions to be recorded from police stations instead of in courts. The Committee condemned the directive as 'arbitrary, unlawful, and against the fundamental principles of justice.'
Despite earlier representations to the Lieutenant Governor, Union Home Minister, Union Law Minister, and other officials, the notification remains in effect. Bar leaders warned of escalating actions if the directive is not rescinded. Tarun Rana, Secretary of the New Delhi Bar Association, voiced concerns about the directive's implications on judicial independence and the trial process. Another assessment meeting is slated for August 23.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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