Delhi’s courtrooms are set to go quiet on August 22 and 23 as the Coordination Committee of All District Bar Associations has called for a complete boycott of proceedings—both physical and virtual.
At the heart of the standoff lies a controversial notification issued by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on August 13. The directive allows police officials to depose from inside their own stations, with their evidence recorded virtually.
Lawyers across the capital argue that the move undermines the sanctity of trial proceedings. In their representation to the government, they warned that officers testifying from their own police stations could easily rely on undisclosed notes or outside assistance. They further pointed out that the presentation of physical evidence—like seized weapons—cannot be fairly managed through remote appearances.
Their demand was straightforward: roll back the order. But with no response from the government, the lawyers escalated matters.
“The notification is arbitrary, unlawful, and contrary to the very principles of justice,” the Coordination Committee declared. “Given the strong resentment within the legal fraternity, we have unanimously resolved to abstain from all work across Delhi’s district courts on August 22 and 23.”
The strike is expected to bring proceedings in Delhi’s lower courts to a halt, sending a sharp message of protest against what lawyers see as a blow to the fairness of trials.
