Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, May 17: Demolition of around 240 lawyer chambers near the District Magistrate’s office in Lucknow began on Sunday following orders from the Allahabad High Court over alleged encroachments around the old High Court complex, Sessions Court, Registry office and DM office premises.

Bulldozers were deployed to clear the structures after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed against the alleged encroachments. Earlier this week, the municipal corporation had pasted notices on the chambers and marked them with red paint, directing occupants to remove the structures before May 16.

The demolition drive triggered protests from lawyers near the Swasthya Bhawan crossing. Several advocates sat in front of bulldozers in an attempt to stop the action. In one instance, a bulldozer reportedly reached a chamber where an Akhand Ramayan recitation was underway.

Police later used mild force to disperse the protesting lawyers, following which the demolition resumed. Some advocates alleged that police personnel resorted to lathi-charge against Brahmins during the protest.

According to reports, around 27,000 lawyers practise in the Lucknow Sessions Court, though only a limited number of chambers are officially allotted. Several of the disputed chambers were allegedly constructed by encroaching upon a drain near the Registry office route. Many lawyers also began removing portions of the encroachments voluntarily.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Kamlesh Dixit said the action was being carried out in compliance with High Court directives.

“The action is being taken as per High Court orders. Lawyers are being persuaded to cooperate, and adequate police force has been deployed,” he said.

Authorities noted that anti-encroachment drives have been conducted earlier in different parts of Lucknow as well, despite resistance from affected groups.