Chandigarh lawyers threaten Jantar Mantar protest over Legal Aid Defence Counsel Scheme

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Chandigarh, August 1

Lawyers practising at the Chandigarh District Court have been protesting since 7 July, demanding the withdrawal of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) Scheme and the restoration of the earlier legal aid panel system. They have warned of a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi if their demands remain unaddressed, saying that despite submitting representations to the Union Law Minister, no action has been taken. Advocates argue that the previous panel system ensured fair opportunities for a larger number of empanelled lawyers to handle legal aid cases.

 Advocate Simranjit Singh, who practices in the District court, SAS Nagar,  said the LADC Scheme compromises the independence of lawyers because defence counsel would be appointed and paid by the State. “Earlier, legal aid cases were shared among empanelled advocates, giving many lawyers a chance to handle cases. Under the new system, fewer lawyers may get opportunities, young advocates may lose valuable courtroom experience, and the quality of legal aid services could also be affected,” said he. Singh further alleged that the scheme could create divisions within the Bar, leading to malpractices.

 Speaking to The North News, Advocate Dilpreet Kaur, who practises at the District Court, Sector 43, Chandigarh, said the scheme would disproportionately affect first-generation advocates. “Young lawyers from ordinary families depend on legal aid cases to build their careers, while second- and third-generation advocates already have established practices and professional networks. Better co-ordination with the Punjab and Haryana High Court is needed to resolve the issue, and we hope the meeting with the Chief Justice of India will bring a positive solution,” she said. Kaur suggested that LADC lawyers should instead be assigned mediation and settlement matters, cases involving untraced police reports, insolvency proceedings and mutual consent divorce petitions under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act, rather than regular criminal defence cases.

 Advocates have been protesting against the LADC Scheme since  July 7th, claiming it threatens the livelihood of private lawyers. The agitation expanded from the District Courts, Sector 43, Chandigarh, to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where advocates also observed a strike on July 28th. Another General House meeting is scheduled for August 3 to decide the next course of action. According to first hand information, the members of the Bar have also proposed discussing a protest at Jantar Mantar, although no final decision has been taken in this regard so far.