Allahabad HC Questions 68 Adjournments Due to Strikes, Bar Leaders Summoned
The Allahabad High Court has expressed strong concern after finding that in a revenue case, 68 out of 102 hearings were adjourned due to strikes by the local bar association. The Court has summoned the President and General Secretary of the Rudali Bar Association and warned that their conduct may amount to contempt of court.
Justice Alok Mathur noted that despite repeated directions from both the Supreme Court and High Courts against strikes, the practice continues. He observed that for the last 21 consecutive hearings since 27 May 2025, the matter could not proceed because of strike calls or boycotts by the bar association.
The Court emphasised that such frequent adjournments not only delay justice but also force poor litigants to approach the High Court for speedy hearings. It also highlighted that these strikes directly violate earlier Supreme Court rulings, including Ex-Capt. Harish Uppal v. Union of India (2003), Hussain v. Union of India (2017), and District Bar Association, Dehradun v. Ishwar Shandilya (2020).
Taking the matter seriously, the Bench has issued show-cause notices to the office bearers of the bar body, asking why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for wilfully disobeying the Supreme Court’s directions.
The matter will now be heard on 2 September 2025.
Case Title: Mohd. Najim Khan vs. The Tahsildar/ Assistant Collector First Class
