Lawyers across Uttar Pradesh staged statewide protests on Friday against the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to prohibit court boycotts and strikes by legal professionals. The demonstrations led to traffic disruptions in multiple cities as lawyers voiced their opposition to the new provisions.
The Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh has called for a statewide strike on February 25, urging advocates to boycott court proceedings in district courts and the Lucknow High Court. The primary point of contention is Section 35A of the proposed amendment, which explicitly bans lawyers from abstaining from court work, boycotting proceedings, or causing any obstruction in court functions.
Protests Across Major Cities
In Lucknow, lawyers from the district court organized a protest march from Old High Court Crossing to GPO Crossing, Hazratganj, causing major traffic jams. Heavy police deployment and barricades were placed at Hazratganj Crossing to prevent protestors from moving towards Vidhan Sabha, where the state budget session was in progress.
Similar protests erupted in Prayagraj, Kanpur, Agra, Aligarh, and Hathras, with lawyers boycotting court proceedings and staging demonstrations. In Agra, advocates formed a human chain and submitted a memorandum to authorities, while Aligarh lawyers marched through the streets and Hathras lawyers wore black bands as a sign of dissent.
Concerns Over the Amendment
According to Oudh Bar Association President RD Shahi, the proposed changes “directly affect the autonomy of lawyers” and could undermine their rights. The Lucknow Bar Association has strongly opposed the amendment, arguing that such restrictions infringe on their freedom to protest against judicial or legal matters affecting their profession.
Another contentious provision in the draft amendment states that State Bar Councils may refuse to enroll individuals convicted of offences carrying a punishment of three years or more. Many legal professionals view this as an overreach, potentially limiting opportunities for reformed individuals to practice law.
Call for Further Action
Legal professionals have warned of intensified protests if the proposed amendments are not withdrawn. Agra Collectorate Bar Association Secretary Lokendra Sharma emphasized that the protests could escalate in the coming days if the government does not address their concerns.
With the statewide strike planned for February 25, the legal fraternity in Uttar Pradesh remains firm in its opposition, demanding that the Union Law Ministry reconsider its stance on the Advocates (Amendment) Bill.
Sources By Agencies