Lawyers join strike over FIR against Ludhiana advocates

In a show of solidarity with their colleagues in Ludhiana, members of the Bar Association, Phagwara, headed by its president Ravinder Sharma have joined the indefinite statewide "no work" strike beginning today, following a resolution passed by the General House of the Bar Association, Ludhiana.

The protest began in response to a cross-FIR that members of the legal community claim was falsely lodged against advocates belonging to the District Bar Association, Ludhiana. It happened after a clash between lawyer and a court employee. Terming the action unjust, the Bar Association, Phagwara, has condemned the incident and pledged support to the affected lawyers.

In a unanimous resolution, the Phagwara Bar has resolved to observe a complete "no work" day on May 15, aligning itself with the broader statewide protest.

The Bar Association has also urged Presiding Officers of Judicial and Revenue Courts to cooperate by exempting advocates from appearance on May 15 and to refrain from passing any adverse orders in their absence.

The legal community has described the protest a unified stand for the dignity, independence and protection of the legal profession, warning that such acts of intimidation against lawyers will not be tolerated.

Support and cooperation from the judiciary and administrative authorities are being sought to maintain harmony during the strike.