Lawyers protest proposal of Allahabad HC's circuit bench

Allahabad, Jan 5 (UNI) Irate with the proposal of Union Law Minister Hansraj Bhardwaj for the formation of a Circuit Bench of Allahabad High Court in western Uttar Pradesh, the HC lawyers here today resorted to 'chakka jam' on Grant Trunk Road.

The lawyers parked vehicles and burnt tyres on both ends of the GT Road, paralysing movement of vehicles, that led to a massive traffic jam.

They also damaged the dias and pandals, constructed by Congress-supported lawyers on the campus, where the minister was about to honour some lawyers, besides unveiling the portraits of two lawyers.

Following prevailing tension, police, PAC and Rapid Action Force and fire brigade jawans have been deployed near the HC compound.

Yuva Bar Association President Laxmi Kant Mishra said the protest against the law minister would continue till he takes back the proposal. ''Mr Bhardwaj is trying to divide the lawyers,'' they said.

A bench of the Allahabad HC already exists in Lucknow.

The lawyers of Meerut, Ghaziabad and Agra are already agitating, demanding the formation of a seperate bench of the HC in western UP, while the lawyers at Allahabad are opposing the same.

UNI