Punjab Bar Associations continue strike against LADC policy; Ferozepur Bar extends ‘No Work Day’
Ferozepur, July 8, 2026: The District Bar Association, Ferozepur, has unanimously resolved to continue its participation in the statewide "No Work Day" strike launched by the Punjab Bar Associations (Joint Action Committee) in protest against the existing Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) Policy.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the District Bar Association under the chairmanship of President Lovejit Pal Singh Turna. The Association resolved to fully support and implement all decisions taken by the Punjab Bar Associations (JAC).
According to the resolution, the strike, which commenced on July 7, will continue until further directions are issued by the Joint Action Committee or until the existing LADC policy is withdrawn and the earlier system of empanelment of advocates through District Bar Associations is restored.
The Bar Association stated that despite the constitution of a committee by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to review the LADC policy, no report or decision has yet been communicated. It alleged that the present policy suffers from several shortcomings, is susceptible to misuse, and adversely affects the professional independence and interests of advocates.
The Association has urged the Chief Justice of India, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Punjab Legal Services Authority (PLSA) to immediately discontinue the present LADC policy and restore the previous system of appointing advocates through District Bar Associations for providing free legal aid services.
The resolution also noted that the District Bar Association has already decided not to permit LADC counsel to appear before courts within its jurisdiction. It claimed that when certain LADC counsel attempted to appear in courts on July 7, members of the Bar Association opposed their appearance in accordance with the Association's earlier resolution.
The resolution was issued by Neel Rattan Sharma, Secretary, District Bar Association, Ferozepur, reaffirming the Association's solidarity with the statewide agitation.