Lawyers’ Strike Brings Jaipur and Jodhpur Courts to a Standstill

Jaipur/Jodhpur: The Rajasthan High Court benches in Jaipur and Jodhpur, along with all district and sessions courts across the state, witnessed an unusual scene on Monday, 5 January, as lawyers refrained from appearing in court. Judges waited in their chambers, but no lawyers were present to argue cases. In several instances, plaintiffs themselves had to represent their matters.

Reason Behind the Strike
The strike was a protest against two decisions taken last month by the full bench of the Rajasthan High Court.

1. Declaration of Two Working Saturdays per Month: The court had announced that two Saturdays each month would be designated as working days to expedite pending cases and provide faster justice to litigants.
2. Introduction of Evening Courts (In-Wing Courts): Certain judicial magistrate courts in Jaipur and Jodhpur were instructed to hold evening sessions as a pilot project. The Acting Chief Justice, Sanjeev Prakash, had stated that if successful, this system could be implemented across the state.

Lawyers opposed both measures, arguing that judicial work is mentally demanding, and continuous five-day workweeks exhaust both lawyers and judges.

Strike Decision and Implementation
The decision to strike was taken during bar association meetings across the state, including the Rajasthan High Court, two days prior to the protest. On 5 January, lawyers reported to court premises but did not enter judges’ chambers. In Jodhpur and several other districts, lawyers also staged demonstrations against the High Court’s rulings.

Lawyers Speak Out
Rajiv Sogarwal, President of the Jaipur High Court Bar Association, stated, “Judicial work is not mechanical; it is entirely mental. Continuous work without rest leads to complete exhaustion. Saturdays must remain non-working days for lawyers’ well-being. Sundays are not full rest days, as lawyers spend time preparing for Monday hearings. The decision to make Saturdays working days is neither practical nor in the interest of lawyers, judges, or the courts.”

The strike highlights growing tensions between the Rajasthan High Court’s administrative directives and the legal fraternity, underscoring the delicate balance between judicial efficiency and the welfare of legal practitioners.