Dharamshala: The General Body Meeting of the Kangra District Bar Association was held today under the leadership of President Tarun Sharma, alongside Vice President Bhuvnesh Chaudhary, General Secretary Saurav Chaudhary, and Joint Secretary Vaibhav Manocha.
The meeting addressed a crucial issue—the proposed Advocates Amendment Bill, 2025, particularly the insertion of Section 35A, which seeks to prohibit boycotts and strikes by advocates.
The proposed amendment states that no association or advocate, individually or collectively, shall call for a boycott or abstain from court work.
Violations would be treated as misconduct, leading to disciplinary action. While symbolic or one-day token strikes would be allowed under specific conditions, any disruption to court proceedings or clients’ rights would be penalized.
After thorough deliberations, the Bar Association unanimously condemned the amendment, calling it “unconstitutional, undemocratic, and dictatorial.”
Members argued that the amendment violates fundamental rights, specifically the freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a) and 19(2)) and freedom of assembly (Article 19(1)(b) and 19(3)) enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The Association has decided to formally oppose the amendment and will submit a resolution to the Government of India, Bar Council of India, and Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh through the Deputy Commissioner of Kangra. The resolution urges authorities to reject the proposed changes and uphold advocates’ rights.
Furthermore, the Association resolved to coordinate with the Bar Council of India, Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh, and other bar associations nationwide to take appropriate action against the proposed amendment.
With growing opposition among legal professionals, the debate over Section 35A is set to intensify, raising questions about balancing legal discipline with constitutional freedoms.
Political Editor : S. Gopal Puri
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