Shimla Lawyers Protest Against Proposed Amendments to Advocate Act, Decry Government Overreach
Shimla’s legal community took a firm stand on Saturday as the Shimla District Bar Association (SDBA) staged a protest against the central government’s proposed amendments to the Advocate Act. Lawyers across the district boycotted court proceedings until noon, voicing strong opposition to what they see as an attempt to curb the independence of the legal profession and bring bar associations under government control.
Leading the protest at the district court complex, SDBA President Advocate Niranjan Verma delivered a powerful address, accusing the central government of trying to dilute the autonomy of legal professionals. He warned that the proposed changes, which include allowing government nominees to influence bar associations, are part of a larger effort to tighten control over the legal fraternity and erode its independence.
Verma emphasized that lawyers nationwide, under the banner of the All India Lawyers Union (AILU), stand united against the amendments. He criticized the government for bypassing consultations with state and district bar associations, which function autonomously under their own constitutions. Such unilateral decision-making, he argued, disregards democratic principles and threatens the integrity of legal institutions.
Adding their voices to the protest, senior advocates O.P. Chauhan and Ajay Sharma expressed deep concern over the potential erosion of constitutional values. They highlighted the judiciary’s crucial role as the guardian of justice and democracy, warning that any interference with the independence of legal professionals could have severe consequences for the rule of law.
Amidst growing resistance, SDBA member Puneet Dhanta noted that the government has since issued a clarification, stating that it is not pushing forward with the amendments at this time. In response, the AILU has temporarily suspended its call for an indefinite protest. However, the legal fraternity remains on high alert, prepared to oppose any future attempts to undermine judicial independence.
As part of the demonstration, all court proceedings—except for urgent criminal matters—were halted until noon, reflecting the lawyers’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding their profession from political overreach. The protest has also sparked broader discussions about the need to protect democratic institutions and uphold constitutional values in the face of increasing centralization of power.
