Over 80,000 lawyers stay away from work in Bihar

Patna, Feb 15 (PTI) Over 80,000 lawyers across the statestayed away from work today in response to the five-day strikecalled by Bihar State Bar Council demanding denotification ofthe order for holding evening courts between 7 pm and 9 pm.

''''Over 80,000 lawyers across the state proceeded oncease work from today paralysing proceedings of Patna HighCourt as well as subordinate judiciary,'''' Council chairmanB P Sharma said.

The Bar council general body in its meeting denounced thecontinuation of the evening courts despite repeated requests.

The apex body of advocates took note of violation ofnotification and transfer of cases of evening courts withoutconsent of the contesting party, state Bar Council OfficiatingSecretary Alok Kumar said.

The meeting, presided over by Sharma, also urged lawyersto come forward and fight against rampant corruption in courtsin the interest of general public.

The council has invited presidents and generalsecretaries of all bar associations on Feb 19 for taking stockof the situation.