Punjab, Haryana & Chandigarh Bar leaders to meet High Court Committee on LADC Policy
Ferozepur July 13, 2026: In a significant development in the ongoing opposition to the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) Policy, Presidents and Honorary Secretaries of Bar Associations from Punjab, Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh have been invited to participate in a crucial meeting with a committee constituted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Neel Rattan Sharma, General Secretary of the District Bar Association, Ferozepur, shared the information regarding the scheduled meetings.
According to a notice issued by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Bar Associations of Punjab, the meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
The committee, constituted through the efforts of Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association President Rohit Sud and his executive team, will be headed by Justice Vinod S. Bhardwaj and comprise Justice Harpreet Singh Brar, Justice Harkesh Manuja and Justice N. S. Shekhawat as members. The committee has been entrusted with hearing the grievances of the Bar regarding the implementation of the LADC Policy.
Before meeting the High Court committee, members of the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana will hold a preparatory meeting at 12:00 noon. The exact venue and timing will be communicated separately to the concerned members by the Joint Action Committee.
The Joint Action Committee has requested all Presidents and Honorary Secretaries of the Bar Associations at the Sessions, District and Sub-Division levels to attend both meetings on time to ensure effective representation of the legal fraternity's concerns.
Meanwhile, the legal fraternity has continued its 'No Work' agitation across Punjab in protest against the LADC Policy, with advocates abstaining from court work while awaiting the outcome of the meeting with the High Court committee.
Background of the issue is that the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) System was introduced under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to provide competent legal representation to accused persons who are unable to afford legal counsel. Under the scheme, full-time legal aid lawyers are appointed on a contractual basis to represent eligible accused in criminal cases.
However, Bar Associations across Punjab have been opposing the policy, contending that it adversely affects the professional opportunities of practising advocates by diverting legal aid work away from local bar members. The legal fraternity has also raised concerns over the manner in which the scheme has been implemented and has been demanding modifications after consultations with the Bar.
The meeting with the High Court committee is expected to provide an opportunity for representatives of the Bar Associations to place their objections and suggestions before the committee in an effort to find an amicable resolution to the issue.