HC lawyers oppose Saturday sittings

New Delhi: In protest against the decision of Delhi high court to hold court every first and third Saturday of the month, the local bar association on Thursday called upon lawyers to abstain from work.Under Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya, the HC administration had earlier this year declared these two Saturdays every month as court sitting days, with the state’s aim to increase disposal of matters, particularly of cases that have been pending for long.Signalling its intent, Delhi HC Bar Association came out with a notice that on March 27, saying it unanimously resolved to abstain from work on the two working Saturdays, after the high court administration did not reconsider its decision despite multiple representations.The Bar body said the resolution was taken after noting that multiple representations had been made to HC seeking reconsideration of the notification dated Jan15 but no change had been made.“As such, all members of Delhi High Court Bar Association are requested to co-operate and abstain from work on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of every month, starting from April 4. Further, it is informed that proxy counsels shall be designated for each court on these days,” the notice said.

It added that several members of the Bar had flagged “serious practical difficulties” arising from HC holding sittings on Saturday, as it clashed with lawyers’ cases and appearances before tribunals, arbitrations, mediation proceedings and courts outside Delhi.The notice further said that the revised schedule adversely impacts preparation time, client conferences and the overall professional efficiency of advocates, who need time beyond court hearings to prepare their briefs and arguments.Reiterating its demand, the bar body urged the HC to reconsider its decision mandating Saturday functioning, expressing hope that the concerns raised by the legal fraternity would receive due consideration.