Tensions between the legal fraternity in western Uttar Pradesh and the ruling political establishment have escalated sharply, with the Meerut Bar Association announcing a total ban on the entry of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representatives into court premises.
The drastic move comes in the wake of mounting frustration over the decades-long demand for a High Court bench in western Uttar Pradesh, which lawyers claim received no concrete backing during a recent high-level political interaction.
Frustration After Meeting With Chief Minister
The flashpoint occurred after a delegation of lawyers met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to press for the establishment of a local High Court bench, arguing that litigants from the region are forced to undertake arduous journeys to Allahabad for legal recourse.
However, the legal community grew deeply dissatisfied when they received no definitive assurances. According to the association, the Chief Minister stated that the creation of a High Court bench falls outside the state government’s immediate purview and rests within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
Escalating Protests Across 22 Districts
In response to the deadlock, the Meerut Bar Association convened an urgent general meeting and resolved to take aggressive punitive measures:
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Entry Prohibited: Banners bearing slogans such as “No Bench, No Vote” and prohibiting the entry of BJP MPs, MLAs, and party officials have been erected at court gates.
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Boycott of Legal Representation: Lawyers have resolved not to represent any BJP representatives in court cases, including MP/MLA courts.
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Regional Boycott: Protests quickly expanded beyond Meerut, with legal professionals across 22 districts in western Uttar Pradesh abstaining from judicial work to voice their solidarity.
The association also announced plans to return formal vakalatnamas previously given to prominent political figures and indicated that a broader strategy will soon be formulated alongside the Central Struggle Committee to intensify the agitation.
