Delhi Lawyers Stage Strike Against “Draconian” Provisions in New Criminal Laws

On July 15, advocates across the national capital abstained from judicial work to protest against certain provisions of the three new criminal laws, which they described as “draconian” and detrimental to litigants’ interests.

The lawyers in Delhi observed the strike following a call by the Coordination Committee of All District Court Bar Associations of Delhi.

“The Coordination Committee, in its meeting held on July 11 at Tis Hazari Court, unanimously resolved to completely abstain from judicial work on July 15 to protest some of the draconian provisions such as those related to remand, etc., in the New Criminal Law, 2023. These provisions are against the dispensation of justice and the interest of litigants, especially with the provision of recording evidence in police stations,” stated the committee’s circular.

“Additionally, there has been unwarranted interference by the judiciary in matters of chamber renovation, encroaching upon the privacy of lawyers,” the circular added. The statement was signed by the committee’s president, Jagdeep Vats, and secretary general, Atul Kumar Sharma.

Vats reported that the strike call was successful, with lawyers abstaining from work.

Dhir Singh Kasana, an advocate at Saket District Court and former secretary general of the committee, noted that certain provisions of the new criminal law had sparked resentment among lawyers. He claimed there was unwarranted interference from a district judge concerning the renovation or addition of new constructions to the old private lawyers’ chambers in Tis Hazari Courts.

The advocates demonstrated solidarity and observed a strike, Kasana added.