Delhi Lawyers Call Off Strike After LG’s Video Deposition Order Put on Hold📢

Delhi Lawyers End Strike After LG’s Order on Video Depositions Put on Hold⚖️

NEW DELHI: Lawyers across Delhi on Thursday called off their week-long strike after the Delhi Police announced that the lieutenant governor (LG) VK Saxena’s notification permitting police officers to depose before court via video conferencing from police stations has been put on hold. Officials clarified that the order would only be implemented after consultations with all stakeholders.

Announcement After Bar Associations' Meeting📢

The decision came following a meeting between members of bar associations and Union home ministry officials earlier in the day. During the discussions, it was conveyed that Home Minister Amit Shah would meet representatives of the Bar to address their objections and attempt a resolution.

Police Commissioner’s Clarification👮

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha stated that “the operation of the said notification on the ground would be carried out only after hearing all stakeholders.” A police spokesperson further explained that the August 13 notification had designated police stations across Delhi as venues for online depositions. However, the move triggered immediate opposition from lawyers.

Lawyers Oppose Order⚔️

Lawyers argued that allowing investigating officers and other witnesses to depose from their own police stations could compromise the sanctity of trial proceedings. The coordination committee of All District Courts Bar Association of Delhi had submitted objections on August 18 and 20 to Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and LG Saxena.

The spokesperson assured that the notification would remain in abeyance until all consultations were complete, emphasizing that the Union home minister would review the issue with an open mind.

Lawyers Call It a Victory🏆

Following the announcement, lawyers’ representatives hailed the outcome as a victory for the Bar. Advocate Tarun Rana, secretary of the New Delhi Bar Association, said: “Our demands remain the same: material witnesses, particularly investigating officers, should not be allowed to depose from police stations. This is a victory for the lawyers after a week-long struggle.”

Advocate Anil Basoya, secretary general of the coordination committee, added: “We are not doing this for lawyers but for the clients we represent, who deserve a fair trial.”

Strike Escalation and Protests🔥

The week-long strike escalated on Wednesday when lawyers from six district courts staged road blockades and burnt effigies in protest. They alleged the notification would undermine fair trial standards and allow manipulation of evidence by police.

The agitation paralyzed court proceedings across the city, with cases adjourned as lawyers abstained from work. Even prosecutors were blocked from joining hearings, whether in person or via video link.

Supreme Court’s Stand on Strikes⚠️

Legal experts pointed out that such strikes are in direct violation of Supreme Court rulings, which have repeatedly declared lawyers’ strikes illegal and unethical, as they obstruct justice and violate the rights of litigants to access courts.

Conclusion✅

The suspension of the notification marks a temporary relief for lawyers, but the final decision now rests on consultations between the Union government, Delhi Police, and the Bar associations. Until then, the debate continues on balancing technology in trials with safeguarding the sanctity of court proceedings.

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