Jaipur: Lawyers Cancel Assembly Protest But Maintain Court Boycott

There is no relief for litigants because the agitating lawyers have stated that they will continue to boycott courts “voluntarily” until the Advocates Protection Act, as promised by the Rajasthan government, is passed on March 21.

However, they have cancelled their proposed assembly gherao on March 13 much to the relief of the police and administration.

Lawyers are concerned because the assembly is currently scheduled to meet until March 20, and if the House is not extended after that date, the bill will remain pending. To keep the pressure on the government, the lawyers’ organisations announced that they will resume work only after March 21.

Lawyers have been boycotting court since February 19 seeking the Advocates Protection Act and a meeting of ministers and bar association representatives held on Thursday agreed that the bill would be tabled in the House on March 15 and passed after discussion in the House on March 21.

Lawyers stated that the government had given them written instructions on the Act in 2019 and 2021, and they do not want to take any chances this time.

The government stated that because the assembly’s business advisory committee had already finalised the House’s business until March 20, they will be able to take up the bill only after March 20. But the lawyers are adamant.