New Delhi, Nov 08: Lawyers in the country would observe a token strike today in protest against amendments to the Legal Services Authority Act that provides for setting up of Lok Adalats in every public utility service for speedy redressal of disputes. The Bar Council of India (BCI), the governing body for lawyers and bar councils of all states are opposed to the amendments for setting up Lok Adalats, which they feel, "Is in fact an attempt to create parallel courts in the country," Delhi Bar Council (DBC) chairman K C Mittal said.
Various bar associations in the country would also join the agitation with their office bearers sitting on hunger strike between 10 am to 6 pm, Mittal said. He said that the main objection of the lawyers in the amended act is about giving Lok Adalats the power to adjudicate cases like any other courts by recording evidence, which was against the concept and spirit of reconciliation. "If the Lok Adalats would start recording evidence like courts, then there would be no difference between the two," the DBC chief said.


Bureau Report