Chandigarh: The Joint Action Committee of various Bar Associations of Punjab, Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh has decided to suspend the ongoing agitation, including the call for “No Work” in courts, after discussions with the Acting Chief Justice and other Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The decision was taken during a meeting held on 30 July 2026 with the Hon’ble Acting Chief Justice and other Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The discussions primarily concerned the concerns raised by the Bar Associations regarding the implementation of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System (LADCS) Scheme.
The Joint Action Committee had sought a rollback of the LADCS Scheme, raising concerns regarding its implementation and its impact on the legal profession. During deliberations, the Acting Chief Justice and other Judges observed that the issues raised could appropriately be addressed by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), being the competent authority for the scheme.
Bar Raises Concerns Over LADCS Scheme
The Legal Aid Defence Counsel System (LADCS) was introduced with the objective of providing effective legal representation to accused persons who are unable to afford private legal assistance. The scheme provides a structured mechanism for appointment of defence counsel in criminal matters under the legal aid framework.
However, several Bar Associations raised concerns regarding certain aspects of the scheme, including its implementation process and possible impact on practising advocates.
The Joint Action Committee requested reconsideration of the scheme and highlighted the difficulties being faced by members of various Bar Associations. The representatives requested that the concerns raised by advocates should be placed before the appropriate authorities for consideration.
High Court Assures Examination Of Practical Difficulties
During the meeting, the Hon’ble Judges assured the representatives that the High Court was prepared to examine and address practical difficulties arising during implementation of the LADCS Scheme.
The High Court observed that necessary steps would be taken after considering suggestions and issues highlighted by the Bar Associations. The objective would be to ensure that the scheme achieves its intended purpose while also addressing genuine concerns raised by members of the legal profession.
The Court further assured that suggestions regarding improvements in implementation would be considered and appropriate directions would be issued wherever required.
Meeting With Chief Justice Of India Proposed
During the meeting, representatives of the Joint Action Committee requested that the issue also be brought to the notice of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India.
The representatives submitted that various Bar Associations were facing difficulties due to the implementation of the LADCS Scheme and requested an opportunity to place their grievances before the concerned authorities.
It was decided that representatives of the Joint Action Committee, along with representatives of different Bar Associations, would seek an audience with the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India so that the concerns could be placed before the appropriate forum for redressal.
No Renewal Of Existing LADCs Till SOP Finalisation
The meeting also discussed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) framed for implementation of the LADCS Scheme.
It was resolved that until finalisation of the proposed SOPs in accordance with suggestions submitted by the Bar Associations, there would be no renewal of the tenure of already appointed Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADCs).
The Bar Associations further decided that existing and proposed amendments relating to the scheme would be discussed in the General House meetings of respective Bar Associations. Suggestions for further amendments would be invited and, after approval by the concerned Bar Associations, the same would be placed before the High Court for consideration.
Focus On Effective Legal Aid While Protecting Interests Of Advocates
The High Court emphasised that the objective of the LADCS Scheme is to provide effective legal aid to persons in need. At the same time, the concerns of members of the legal profession must also be considered while implementing the scheme.
The Court assured the members that every aspect relating to implementation of the scheme at the ground level would be examined in consultation with all stakeholders.
The discussions aimed at finding a balanced approach where access to legal aid is strengthened while ensuring that genuine concerns of advocates are appropriately addressed.
Joint Action Committee Suspends Agitation
As a mark of respect and in view of the assurances provided by the Acting Chief Justice and the High Court, the Joint Action Committee resolved to suspend the agitation, including the call for “No Work” in courts.
The suspension of the agitation would come into effect from Monday, 03 August 2026, subject to further decisions after the proposed meeting with the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India.
The Committee clarified that any future course of action regarding the agitation would be decided collectively by stakeholders after the meeting with the Chief Justice of India.
Representatives Allowed To Attend Meeting With CJI
The Joint Action Committee requested that representatives of the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana as well as office bearers of High Court Bar Associations, including Presidents, Secretaries and Vice-Presidents, be permitted to participate in the proposed meeting with the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India.
The objective is to ensure that concerns from different sections of the legal fraternity are placed before the appropriate authority and considered comprehensively.
The dispute regarding implementation of the LADCS Scheme has temporarily reached a resolution with the Punjab and Haryana High Court assuring consideration of the concerns raised by the Bar Associations.
While the scheme will continue to be examined from the perspective of effective legal aid delivery, the High Court has assured that practical difficulties and suggestions from the legal fraternity will be considered. With the suspension of the “No Work” call from 03 August 2026, the focus now shifts towards discussions with the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and further deliberations among stakeholders. The development marks an important step towards balancing the objectives of legal aid reforms with the concerns of practising advocates.