Lawyers Boycott Judicial Work at Allahabad High Court Over Judge Shortage, Proposed Amendment Bill

Prayagraj, [Current Date] – Judicial proceedings at the Allahabad High Court came to a standstill on Friday as lawyers abstained from work in protest against the dwindling strength of judges and the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The High Court Bar Association (HCBA) had passed a resolution on Thursday announcing the boycott, which saw lawyers gathering at the main gate of the court on Friday morning, refusing to enter the premises.

HCBA President Anil Tiwari highlighted the critical shortage of judges, noting that while the sanctioned strength of the Allahabad High Court is 160, it currently operates with only 55 judges, in addition to 23 judges serving at its Lucknow bench. The severe shortage has led to a growing backlog of cases, with many petitions remaining unheard for months.

The HCBA has demanded immediate appointments to fill the sanctioned strength and has also called for an increase in the number of judges to address the rising caseload.

In addition to the judge shortage, lawyers voiced strong opposition to the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, arguing that its provisions threaten the autonomy of the bar association and undermine the interests of legal practitioners. The draft bill seeks to redefine key terms in the Advocates Act, 1961, including the definitions of a legal practitioner and a law graduate.

Under the proposed changes, a law graduate would be defined as an individual who has obtained a bachelor's degree in law—whether three-year or five-year—through any recognized legal education center, university, or affiliated college approved by the Bar Council of India. Lawyers contend that such amendments could have far-reaching implications for the legal profession.

With judicial work disrupted and concerns mounting over both judicial vacancies and legislative changes, the standoff between the legal fraternity and the government continues to intensify.