Lucknow bulldozers raze 240 advocates’ chambers on HC orders; one lawyer attempts sel
Lucknow bulldozers raze 240 advocates’ chambers on HC orders; one lawyer attempts self-harm in protest
M.U.H
17/05/202621
Lucknow witnessed sharp tension on Sunday as the Lucknow Municipal Corporation launched a major anti-encroachment operation outside the district court premises. Acting on directions from the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, bulldozers flattened nearly 240 advocates’ chambers and shops allegedly built illegally on public land near the civil court and district magistrate’s office.
The operation was carried out under heavy police cover. Personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) were deployed at the site to maintain order as the demolition got underway. Officials said the structures had caused congestion and obstruction in the surrounding area and had come up without authorisation on public land.
The demolition met fierce resistance from members of the legal fraternity. Lawyers gathered at the site in large numbers, raising slogans against the administration and attempting to physically block the bulldozers. Heated exchanges broke out between protesting advocates and police personnel, leading to scuffles at several points during the operation.
The standoff continued several hours. Senior administrative and police officials remained present throughout to monitor the situation. No major injuries were reported, but tension at the site remained high well into the afternoon.
Protest takes dramatic turn
In one of the most alarming moments of the day, an advocate allegedly attempted to hang himself inside his chamber as a mark of protest against the demolition. Police personnel spotted the incident in time and intervened before any harm could occur.
The lawyer was removed safely from the premises.
The incident immediately heightened tension at the site and prompted authorities to reinforce the security presence.
Another advocate chose a different form of protest by singing patriotic songs at the demolition site to voice opposition to the drive.
Lawyers claim no notice was given
Several advocates accused the administration of acting without proper communication. They alleged that no notices were served and that no chambers were marked or identified before demolition began.
Advocate SP Singh, speaking to reporters during the protest, did not hold back. He claimed to have voted for the Bharatiya Janata Party throughout his political life — and declared that would now change.
“I am a Thakur, I belong to Yogi’s lineage. I have voted for the BJP throughout my life. From today onwards, we will not vote for the BJP anymore. Neither were we given any notice, nor was our chamber marked or identified,” Singh said.
Administration defends action
Police officials pushed back on the claims of no prior notice. DCP Crime Kamlesh Dixit said the operation was carried out strictly in line with court orders and established procedure.
“We had orders to remove encroachments. The encroachments are being removed. Notice had been given earlier. Action is being taken as per rules,” Dixit said.
Officials maintained that the drive was not arbitrary and had been directed by the High Court after the structures were identified as illegal.
