DBA continues ‘Chain Hunger Strike’ against LADC policy; Law students join protest in solidarity
Association vows to intensify agitation until policy is withdrawn
Ferozepur, July 22, 2026: The District Bar Association (DBA), Ferozepur, continued its indefinite agitation against the implementation of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) Policy on Tuesday by holding a Chain Hunger Strike, in line with the call given by the Joint Action Committee of Bar Associations of Punjab, Haryana and U.T. Chandigarh.
Leading today's hunger strike were Association Secretary Adv. Neel Rattan, Vice President Adv. Jobanjeet Singh, along with Adv. Prabhjot Kaur, Adv. Kulwinder Kaur, Adv. Pardeep Singh Mehta, Adv. Gurpreet Bedi, Adv. Rajinder Dhingra, Adv. Arvind Sehgal, Adv. Jaspreet Singh, and Adv. Sandeep Bajaj.
Adding strength to the ongoing protest, several law students also joined the Chain Hunger Strike in solidarity with the legal fraternity. Among them were second-year law students Sukhman Turna, Rohitpreet Singh Gill, Ms. Priya, and first-year law student Gurnoor Singh Kamboj.
Added here, the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) System, introduced under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), aims to provide quality legal representation to economically weaker sections through a panel of full-time salaried defence counsels appointed by District Legal Services Authorities. However, Bar Associations across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh have strongly opposed the policy, contending that it sidelines independent legal practitioners, creates a parallel defence mechanism outside the traditional Bar, and may adversely affect the livelihood of young advocates while undermining the independence of the legal profession. The protesting advocates have been demanding withdrawal of the policy and meaningful consultations with representatives of the Bar before any such system is implemented.
DBA reiterated that its peaceful protest would continue until the LADC Policy is withdrawn and the concerns raised by advocates are adequately addressed. It appealed to advocates, law students and members of the legal fraternity across the region to remain united and actively support the movement, stating that the issue concerns the independence, dignity and future of the legal profession.