Delhi Congress supports lawyers’ strike against criminal laws

New Delhi, July 14

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Devender Yadav announced full support for the strike called by the coordination committee of District Bar Associations in Delhi on Sunday. Thousands of lawyers affiliated with the legal and human rights department of the DPCC will abstain from work in district courts on Monday.

Yadav criticised the passing of three criminal laws during the winter session of Parliament, highlighting that 146 Opposition MPs were suspended at the time, preventing proper debate and scrutiny of the legislation. He expressed concerns over the lack of democratic process, emphasising that robust parliamentary debate is essential for enacting laws that genuinely serve the interests of the people.

“In a healthy democracy, debates and discussions in Parliament are mandatory before enacting laws,” said Yadav. “The credibility of these passed laws is questionable as they were pushed through without adequate input from a significant portion of elected representatives,” he added.

Advocate Sunil Kumar, chairman of the legal and human rights department, asserted that the Congress has always stood behind the causes of both the people and the legal community. He criticised the government for passing laws affecting lawyers without consulting them or addressing their concerns, pointing out deficiencies in the legislation that contradict the principles of the Constitution.

“There are numerous legal lacunae in these laws, which also lack the necessary infrastructure and expertise for effective implementation,” advocate Kumar remarked. “Forensic experts and other crucial stakeholders have not been adequately involved, further complicating the implementation process,” he added.