Lawyers, Police Clash In Lucknow Over Demolition Of 'Illegal' Advocate Chambers Following High Court Directions
Tensions escalated and a clash broke out between the Lawyers and Police outside the Lucknow District Court complex on Sunday after the local authorities initiated a demolition action against over 200 'illegal' lawyers' chambers and shops in the Kaiserbagh area.
As per the media reports, the police had to resort to a lathi charge and mild force after lawyers protested the demolition drive.
It may be noted that the action is being taken by the authorities following a recent order of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court directing the removal of unauthorised structures near the District and Sessions Court premises (Old High Court) in Lucknow.
The Lucknow Municipal Corporation conducted the operation to raze the chambers and other unauthorised shops, alleging that they were built illegally on encroached public land.
It may be noted that recently, the Allahabad High Court took serious exception of massive illegal encroachments by advocates near the District and Sessions Court premises (Old High Court) in Lucknow.
The Division Bench had directed the municipal body to take these legal steps with expedition. It added that, if need be, proper assistance from the district administration, including the police, may be demanded.
Following the HC order, the LMC claims they affixed notices and granted the advocates time to voluntarily remove the unauthorised structures.
However, officials claim that since the chambers were not removed despite the expiration of the stipulated deadline, demolition action had to be carried out on Sunday morning.
On the other hand, the affected advocates claimed that no notices were duly served to them before the stern action was taken. Presently, a heavy police force has been deployed in the area to control the situation and maintain law and order.