Lawyers occupy plot in Meerut court, threaten self-harm over chamber dispute

Bareilly: A long-running dispute over chambers in the Meerut district court intensified on Thursday after a group of around 10 junior lawyers allegedly occupied a vacant, garbage-strewn plot within the court premises, built a temporary chamber and locked themselves inside. They also allegedly hung three ropes from the chamber's grill, warning of self-harm in the event of forced eviction.The situation worsened after some senior advocates objected to the alleged encroachment, leading to a confrontation. Bar association representatives later reached the spot and asked the group to vacate. Additional district judge (ADJ) Alok Dwivedi, along with police personnel, also arrived, warning that refusal could invite legal action, including arrest. The group, however, refused to leave.The protesting lawyers claimed that they had no designated space to sit or work despite practising in the court for years. "Chambers were allotted to junior advocates in 2023, but possession was never handed over. We have been forced to depend on seniors or work in corridors," said Sania Khan, 26, one of the protesters.Regarding the ropes, Khan said they symbolised the pressure junior lawyers were under. "Either we will vacate after being given chambers, or this place will be vacated with our dead bodies," she said.Another advocate, Mohd Amir, alleged harassment by senior lawyers alleging mounting financial stress and lack of workspace. "Rising debts, career uncertainty and the absence of permanent chambers have pushed junior lawyers to the brink. If we are removed from here without any assurance, what option is left other than self-harm?" he said.Sanjay Sharma, president of the bar association, said the matter did not fall under its jurisdiction. "The land belongs to the court and the authorities are trying to resolve the issue at their end," he said.As of late Thursday evening, the standoff was continuing, with the group maintaining they would not vacate the site until a concrete decision on the allotment of chambers was announced. "Efforts are underway to resolve the matter," a court official said.