The strike called by lawyers across Delhi’s district courts on Monday came to an end after the Delhi High Court intervened in the matter and ordered the transfer of the judicial officer at the centre of the controversy.
The protest had been announced by the Coordination Committee of All District Court Bar Associations, Delhi, following allegations of misconduct against District Judge Rakesh Kumar of the Rohini Courts complex in North-West Delhi.
Lawyers had abstained from judicial work for some hours demanding an inquiry into the judge’s conduct after a video of a heated exchange between the judge and an advocate went viral on social media. The advocate involved in the altercation also serves as the President of the Rohini Court Bar Association.
According to reports, the dispute arose after the judge allegedly refused a request made by the lawyer for a passover in a matter listed before the court. The incident triggered outrage among members of the bar, with several lawyers’ associations terming the judge’s behaviour inappropriate and unacceptable.
Following the escalation of tensions and the strike call, the Delhi High Court stepped in to defuse the situation. After discussions with representatives of the bar associations and judicial authorities, the High Court ordered the transfer of Judge Rakesh Kumar from the Rohini Courts.
Subsequently, the Coordination Committee announced the withdrawal of the strike and directed lawyers to resume judicial work across all district courts in the national capital.
The protest had affected the functioning of courts during the day, with several matters either adjourned or delayed due to the absence of advocates.
Bar leaders said that while the strike had been withdrawn following the High Court’s intervention, they would continue to seek safeguards to ensure respectful conduct and proper coordination between members of the bench and the bar.
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