Total strike by Lawyers and massive protest forces BCI President to withdraw his recommendations

March,24,2017:

Succumbing to pressure he said that he will never act against Lawyers.

Bar Council of India (BCI) President Manan Mishra assured the striking lawyers in capital that he will withdraw his recommendation to Law Commission  to debar and fine lawyers who participate in the strikes.

On Thursday morning, thousands of Advocates abstained from work and gathered at BCI office at ITO.

Delhi Police had cordoned off BCI building, outside which lawyers hurled accusations of graft and abuse of power at BCI president, and burnt his effigy.

Lawyers’ coordination committee of All District Court Bar Associations had called for a strike in lower courts in protest against the recommendation.

The BCI president had recommended fines and suspension of licences of striking Advocates.

Lawyers had warned that if recommendations were not withdrawn, strike would expand to the rest of the country.

Mishra stated that," He is one of them and will never act against Lawyers. On March 31, we in BCI are having a meeting where I will withdraw my recommendations,”.

Crowd, however, demanded the assurance in writing. An hour later, Mishra presented a draft letter, assuring the crowd that he will withdraw recommendation.

“Today, there was a large protest by the members of coordination committee in premises of Bar Council of India. In view of the matter, in my opinion, matter requires re-consideration of BCI. Recommendation regarding aforementioned points are hereby withdrawn,” said the draft.

Speaking to media, Mishra stated that he will also take up issue of a universal pension scheme for the  Advocates with Government.