NEW DELHI: The Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) has called upon the Government to develop alternate commercial space for professional entities such as law firms before sealing their current offices. Offices of law firms and advocates illegally operating from residential areas are also being targeted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

According to SILF president Lalit Bhasin, "Professional entities such as law firms are an integral part of the services sector in India, which is leading the growth push in the economy. Instead of taking steps to encourage these firms, attempts are being made to wipe out the law firms out of existence at least in Delhi." Demanding relief for the lawyers, Mr. Bhasin said professional activities had always been distinguished from commercial activity that disrupts normal life in residential areas.

"If the Government and the courts feel that law offices cannot be allowed to operate in their current premises then it is obligatory on their part to create and provide areas specifically earmarked for professional activities," he asserted.

The Govt should develop law parks within the municipal limits of the cities and these should be made available to law firms and advocates on reasonable terms, he suggested. "For several decades no attention has been given to planned development of commercial areas even though such planned steps were earmarked in the Master Plans," Mr. Bhasin said, adding: "We urge the authorities and courts to let the status quo prevail until alternate arrangements such as law parks are made."

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