Bengaluru: The Advocates’ Association Bengaluru protest drew attention after lawyers staged a demonstration outside the Karnataka High Court, alleging serious administrative failures in Bengaluru’s courts. The lawyers accused the High Court administration of ignoring long-pending issues related to court management, infrastructure, and basic facilities. The protest was held outside the Golden Jubilee Gate of the Karnataka High Court and was led by the Advocates’ Association Bengaluru (AAB).
Why did the Advocates’ Association Bengaluru Protest
According to the Advocates’ Association Bengaluru (AAB), the administrative system in courts across Bengaluru, including the Karnataka High Court, has “completely collapsed.”
The association alleged that repeated representations to the High Court administration and Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru did not lead to any meaningful action. Lawyers said their concerns regarding court administration, delays, and infrastructure have remained unresolved for a long time.
Advocates’ Association Bengaluru Protest: Major Accuses of Lawyers
During the protest, several senior lawyers and former office-bearers of AAB addressed the gathering. The association claimed that advocates had repeatedly informed the Chief Justice about the difficulties faced by lawyers and litigants. However, they alleged that no effective response was received.
The protesting lawyers urged the High Court administration to immediately address the issues affecting the judiciary system.
The association listed several problems affecting court functioning in Bengaluru. These included:
- Memos filed by advocates are allegedly not being accepted in some courts.
- Several matters are allegedly not being listed on time.
- Some judges were accused of behaving disrespectfully towards advocates.
- Bench clerks and court staff were alleged to be handling responsibilities that should be performed by legally qualified personnel.
- Lawyers demanded that trained legal professionals be appointed in litigation-related sections.
Lawyers Raise Concern Over Poor Court Infrastructure
The AAB also criticised the condition of infrastructure in Bengaluru’s City Civil Court, Magistrate Courts, and Mayo Hall Court. According to the association, despite contributions made by the Bar towards improving infrastructure, adequate cooperation from the judiciary has not been provided. The lawyers said this has created inconvenience for both advocates and litigants.
Women Advocates Highlight Lack of Basic Facilities
Women lawyers participating in the protest raised concerns over inadequate sanitation facilities in subordinate courts. They alleged that in some court complexes, male and female advocates are forced to share the same toilet, making it difficult for women lawyers to use the facilities with dignity. The issue of basic amenities became one of the major demands raised during the protest.
Advocates’ Association Bengaluru Protest Described as Symbolic
AAB President Vivek Subba Reddy and General Secretary H.V. Praveen Gowda said the protest was only symbolic. They warned that if the issues remain unresolved, the association may consider stronger forms of agitation in the future. The office-bearers said lawyers face these problems every day and called for immediate administrative reforms in Bengaluru’s courts.
Background of the Dispute
The protest follows a series of concerns raised by the Advocates’ Association Bengaluru over judicial administration in recent months. Earlier, the association had highlighted issues such as shortages of judges, delays in case listings, lack of infrastructure, and administrative inefficiencies in Bengaluru courts.
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