NEW DELHI: Thousands of lawyers in India’s capital protested against the Narendra Modi government’s sweeping changes in criminal legislation by staying away from work and boycotting court hearings.
N.C. Sharma, the spokesperson for the All District Courts Bar Associations of Delhi, confirmed that lawyers from seven district courts in New Delhi participated in the strike on Monday.
“The lawyers are protesting because they believe the changes will lead to confusion,” Sharma stated.
The discontent stems from new laws effective from July 1 that enhance police authority to detain individuals before trial and mandate judges to issue written verdicts within 45 days post-trial.
Furthermore, the amendments introduce the death penalty for gang rape of minors under 18.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has defended these changes as “victim-centric,” arguing they modernize the judicial system and eliminate delays in justice delivery.
However, legal bodies, opposition parties, and activists have called for a pause, asserting that these modifications will excessively empower the police and exacerbate the burden on an already strained justice system. Lawyers anticipate challenges in interpreting and contesting the new legal provisions.
During a visit by Reuters to New Delhi’s Patiala House district court on Monday, the atmosphere was notably subdued. A court official, speaking anonymously, reported numerous cases were not argued as lawyers sought adjournments.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India and the High Court operated without disruption.
