Chandigarh: HC Bar body calls for general house on legal-aid policy

Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (PHHCBA) called a general house meeting on Tuesday to discuss the legal-aid defence counsel policy.

The high court is hearing a PIL highlighting disruption in Punjab district courts due to strike calls by different district Bars.

Lawyers are protesting against the NALSA-introduced legal-aid defence counsel (LADC) system, saying it affects opportunities for practicing lawyers.

The district bar association has indefinitely abstained from work, with penalties including a ₹2,500 fine and social boycott for non-compliance.

The court expressed displeasure over the strike but lawyers assured a consensus could be reached.