Allahabad Highcourt Advocates Suspend Agitation After Assurance from Chief Justice

The High Court Bar Association, Allahabad (HCBA), held a crucial meeting today at 1:00 pm in the new office bearers' room. Chaired by Hon'ble President and Senior Advocate Shri Anil Tiwari and supervised by General Secretary Shri Vikrant Pandey, the meeting resulted in significant decisions aimed at addressing ongoing concerns and improving the professional environment for advocates.

In a major development, the HCBA decided to suspend its ongoing agitation after receiving assurances from the Hon'ble Chief Justice that their demands will be addressed promptly. A positive step towards fulfilling these demands was already taken on July 11, 2024. Based on the Chief Justice's assurance, the Executive has resolved to pause their protest actions and will reconvene on July 29, 2024, to assess further actions and decisions.

Allahabad Highcourt Bar Association's Press Release 

Additionally, the HCBA resolved to request the Chief Justice not to propose any advocate for appointment as a Justice unless they have practiced in the Hon'ble High Court, Allahabad. The association also highlighted the issue of the "Uncle Syndrome" (Kith and Kin) prevalent in the High Court, urging the Chief Justice of India to take appropriate measures to address this concern and maintain public faith in the judiciary.

This meeting follows the HCBA's recent decision on July 11, 2024, to discontinue the use of "My Lord" or "Your Lordship" when addressing judges. Instead, they recommend respectful alternatives such as "Sir," "Your Honour," or "माननीय" (meaning "respected" in Hindi). This change aims to address concerns about judges considering themselves superior and reinforce that judges are public servants paid from the public exchequer.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the High Court Administration's handling of advocate-related issues, the HCBA had abstained from judicial work for three days (July 10, 11, and 12, 2024). Advocates who disregarded this decision faced membership termination, loss of benefits, and blacklisting from future membership. These measures underscore the association's unwavering commitment to addressing advocate-related concerns.

The Executive expressed its gratitude to all advocates who have supported the movement for the benefit of the legal community.