Advocates defer ‘No Work’ agitation over LADC Scheme till August 3 meeting with CJI
Harish Monga
Ferozepur, August 1, 2026: The Joint Action Committee of Bar Associations has decided to defer its ongoing agitation, including the call for “No Work” in the courts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, following assurances given during a meeting with the Acting Chief Justice and other judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, said Neel Rattan, Secretary, and Senior Advocate, Ashwani Dhingra, District Bar Association, Ferozepur.
According to the proceedings of the meeting held on July 30, the Joint Action Committee had sought rollback of the Legal Aid Defense Counsel (LADC) Scheme, citing concerns and practical difficulties faced by members of the legal profession in its implementation.
During the deliberations, the Acting Chief Justice and other judges stated that issues concerning the LADC Scheme could be addressed by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), being the competent authority. The High Court also assured the advocates that deficiencies and practical difficulties in implementation would be examined and necessary directions issued to ensure that the scheme serves its intended purpose without causing prejudice to the legal profession.
A significant assurance was that till finalisation of the proposed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), based on suggestions received from Bar Associations, there would be no renewal of the tenure of already appointed LADC.
The proceedings further record that a meeting with the Chief Justice of India has been arranged for August 3, 2026, to discuss the grievances relating to the LADC policy. Representatives of the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana and representatives of High Court Bar Associations, including their President, Secretary and Vice-President, have been permitted to attend the meeting.
In view of the proposed meeting, the Joint Action Committee and various Bar Associations resolved that the agitation, including the “No Work” call in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, would be suspended/deferred with effect from August 3, subject to the outcome of the meeting. Any further course of action, if required, will be decided collectively by the stakeholders after the meeting with the Chief Justice of India.
The committee has also resolved that proposed amendments to the LADC Scheme will be discussed in the General House meetings of the respective Bar Associations, and further suggestions will be taken up with the High Court for redressal of the grievances.
The development marks a temporary pause in the advocates’ agitation, with the next course of action now linked to the outcome of the August 3 meeting with the Chief Justice of India.