Lawyers' strike paralyses courts in Bihar

The state Government, however, rejected the demand, pointing out that court fees were raised according to the recommendations of the Shetty Commission and there was no question of going back. Speaking in the state Assembly, Industry Minister Gautam Singh said the hike was needed to meet the increased expenses on judicial administration.

Agitating lawyers, however, said that the hike in court fees was steep and would hit the poor severely. The state Government last month doubled the court fees from Rs 250 to Rs 500. Lawyers across the state termed it “anti-poor” and urged for a roll back.

The Government, however, said that the court fees will not hit the poor as those belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with an annual income of up to Rs 25,000 are not required to pay the fees.

Lawyers Coordination Committee convenor Yogesh Chandra Verma said that functioning of courts across the state will remain paralysed for three days as most of the 122 lawyers associations have decided to abstain from work.

Around a month back, the lawyers had staged a similar strike for two days. On April 2, an emergency meeting of the lawyers associations has been convened to decide the future course of action.