Lawyers in Lucknow staged a protest on Saturday, breaking through police barricades and moving towards the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly to press for their long-pending demands. The demonstration reflects growing resentment among advocates over issues related to their safety, welfare and working conditions.
The primary demand is the implementation of an Advocates Protection Act in Uttar Pradesh. Lawyers argue that incidents of attacks and violence against advocates underline the need for a dedicated law to ensure their security while performing professional duties.
The protest is also linked to a broader charter of demands raised by lawyers' organisations. These include a monthly incentive of Rs 10,000 for young advocates during their first five years of practice, a monthly allowance of Rs 30,000 for advocates above 70 years of age, and an increase in the maturity amount of the Advocates Welfare Fund from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
Lawyers have also demanded that judicial powers related to matters under the UP Rent Control Act be restored to civil courts from administrative courts. Another major concern is the removal of lawyers' chambers without adequate alternative arrangements.
Advocates from different districts had announced a march to the Assembly after claiming that repeated representations and weekly protests had failed to secure concrete action. The Kanpur Bar Association and the Lawyers Association have supported the agitation.
Police made security arrangements along the protest route as demonstrators advanced towards the Assembly. The lawyers want the government to address their demands through dialogue and take concrete decisions on their concerns.
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