Justice Surya Kant stated that if such actions occur, the High Court may initiate Suo motu proceedings against the responsible office bearers, potentially leading to their removal.
The Supreme Court on Friday disallowed bar associations in Uttar Pradesh from organizing strikes or abstaining from judicial work on court working days.
This order was passed during the hearing of a case concerning the Faizabad District Bar Association’s strikes.
A Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan observed that if such actions occur, the High Court is at liberty to initiate suo motu proceedings against the responsible office bearers of the concerned bar body and even remove them from their posts.
“Bar association shall not pass any resolution to abstain from work on court working days. In case it happens, High Court can take suo motu action against the office bearers. The action may also include removal of office bearers as penal action,” the Court said.
The Court stated that this order would apply to all district bar associations in Uttar Pradesh.
Pertinently, the Court also directed the formation of a three-judge High Court committee to oversee instances of strikes by lawyers.
Any such actions must lead to penalties against office bearers, with no tolerance for leniency or a soft approach.
