By Amrit Pal Sidhu #Babushahi Bureau
Bathinda, July 20:
Responding to the nationwide call of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), the District Bar Association (DBA), Bathinda on Monday launched a peaceful chain hunger strike against the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) policy, describing it as a movement to protect the legal profession and ensure unhindered access to justice.
Leading the first day's hunger strike was DBA President Adv. Gurwinder Singh Mann, accompanied by Secretary Adv. Kuldeep Singh Jeeda, Treasurer Adv. Uma Giri, Joint Secretary Adv. Vikas Phutela, and Adv. Dimple Jindal. The protest was held in the Bar Room of the District Bar Association from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Addressing members of the Bar, Adv. Kuldeep Singh Jeeda, Secretary of the District Bar Association, said that the association has decided to continue the agitation through a chain hunger strike, with five advocates participating every day until further directions from the Joint Action Committee. He stated that the protest is being organised against the implementation of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) policy, which, according to the Bar, raises serious concerns regarding the independence of the legal profession and the effective delivery of justice.
DBA President Adv. Gurwinder Singh Mann said the movement is a peaceful and democratic effort aimed at safeguarding the dignity of the legal profession while ensuring that every citizen continues to have meaningful access to justice through an independent Bar.
"We respectfully appeal to all members of the Bar and the general public to extend their moral support and stand in solidarity with this peaceful democratic movement for the protection of the legal profession and access to justice," he said.
The District Bar Association reiterated that the protest would remain peaceful and constitutional, while urging advocates across the district to participate actively in the ongoing campaign. The office-bearers expressed hope that the concerns raised by the legal fraternity would receive due consideration from the authorities.