Around 200 labour and industrial court lawyers who are members of the Labour Law Practitioners’ Association (LLPA) have decided to take a ‘swine flu break’ for a week. While the work of filing fresh litigations will continue, hearing of ongoing cases has been put on hold. The decision was taken at the meeting of the association held on Monday.

This is the first time that the two courts will function without lawyers. “Earlier, we used to cease work to mourn the death of any of our association office-bearers or close relatives of the judges,” said advocate Santosh Mhaske, former president of LLPA.

The labour and industrial courts for Pune district are housed in the PMPML commercial building at Swargate. “At least 200 people, including those from distant places, visit the two courts on a daily basis. We have taken this measure to avoid crowding at the two courts,” said advocate Rajesh Shaligram, vice-president of LLPA.

There are three courtrooms in the labour court and one in the industrial court. “Clients travel from far-off places even if they are unwell for fear of missing something during the court hearing. Moreover, hearing of each case happens only once a month, which is why clients usually do not miss the schedule,” Shaligram said.

Sometimes clients who travel from distant places prefer to wait at the court for the entire day if the state transport bus that takes them back is scheduled for evening.

The government has requested the public not to visit crowded places. “Considering the crowd at courts, we have decided to not to visit the court for a week. We will work independently from our offices, but with no lawyers, courts will be adjourned for a week. However, judges and the court staff will work and fresh litigations may be filed during this period,” he said.

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