The Hindu : Other States / Uttar Pradesh News : Lawyers' group rejects `truce', SC judge starts probe

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Sep 14, 2004

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Other States - Uttar Pradesh

Lawyers' group rejects `truce', SC judge starts probe

LUCKNOW, SEPT. 13. Even as the Oudh Bar Association (OBA) called off their 10-day-old lawyers' strike here yesterday, judicial work in the State Capital remained partially affected today following rejection of the `truce' by a section of lawyers.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Government formally announced a one-man inquiry committee headed by Supreme Court judge (retd.) Sagir Ahmed to probe into the September 3 incident that led to the lawyers-police clash in Lucknow.

Central Bar Association president S.S. Upadhyaya said the suspension of the strike by the OBA was a "stab in the back" for the lawyers.

He said not a single demand of lawyers had been fulfilled by the Uttar Pradesh government. "The association has ditched the lawyers as the government is now thinking of giving promotion to those officials who ordered lathicharge on advocates on September 3," he said.

Mr. Upadhaya said the lawyers would not retract their demand for the suspension of officials involved in the incident, whereas the government has only assured of their transfer.

Meanwhile, lawyers association claimed that 60 per cent of the court work had started this morning. Several lawyers, who are supporting the other section of the group were still to join work.

Security arrangements had been tightened in and around the Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court and other courts here and close circuit cameras have been installed.

Last night, the State Government transferred inspector Hazratganj, Som Dutt Sharma and sought permission from the Election Commission to remove DIG Jagmohan Yadav.

The lawyers had been demanding criminal prosecution against policemen found guilty of charging with batons a group of protesting lawyers after the car belonging to the OBA's former president L.P. Mishra was hit by a military truck in Lucknow. Over 50 lawyers were reportedly injured in the incident.

Yesterday, OBA president Ashok Nigam said "the hardships faced by the people following the strike" and the appeal by Governor T.V. Rajeshwar were also taken into consideration while suspending their agitation.

He claimed the Chief Minister had discussed with the coordination committee the lawyers' demands for suspension and transfer of four police officers and initiation of legal proceedings against those found guilty in the preliminary enquiry into the incident.

Mr. Nigam said following Mr. Yadav's assurance to take action within two days and the appeal by the Governor and Acting High Court Chief Justice, the lawyers had decided to suspend their agitation. -- UNI

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Lawyers' group rejects `truce', SC judge starts probe