Lucknow Demolition Drive Row Reaches UP Human Rights Commission After Lawyer-Police Clash
Lawyers protest demolition near Lucknow district court complex.
A complaint has been filed before the Uttar Pradesh Human Rights Commission alleging large-scale human rights violations during the demolition of advocates’ chambers near the old court complex in Lucknow, where a recent anti-encroachment drive triggered clashes between lawyers and the police.
The complaint, filed by advocate Gajendra Singh Yadav of the Allahabad High Court, seeks an independent inquiry into the bulldozer action carried out by municipal authorities and the administration on May 17.
According to the complaint, the demolition drive targeted advocates’ chambers situated in and around the Civil Court premises in Kaiserbagh and was allegedly carried out without following due process of law. The plea before the Human Rights Commission alleges that authorities demolished chambers “while disregarding due legal procedure, principles of natural justice, and human dignity".
The complaint further claims that the number of chambers demolished exceeded the limit prescribed under the court’s directions. It alleges that many affected lawyers were neither served proper notices nor given an adequate opportunity of hearing before the action was initiated.
The demolition drive had led to massive protests by lawyers outside the district court complex on Sunday, with the situation escalating into clashes between advocates and police personnel. Several media reports stated that police resorted to lathi-charge after lawyers allegedly pelted stones during the protest.
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The action was reportedly undertaken following directions issued by the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court in connection with alleged encroachments near the old district court complex. Reports said the Lucknow Municipal Corporation had initiated demolition of what it termed “illegal” chambers and shops constructed on public land.
However, protesting advocates alleged that the administration acted beyond the scope of the court’s order. Several lawyers claimed that while the court had allegedly directed removal of around 72 chambers, authorities demolished nearly 240 structures during the drive.
In the complaint before the Human Rights Commission, Yadav stated that advocates derive their livelihood from these chambers and that the demolition was conducted without offering any rehabilitation or alternative arrangement to those displaced.
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The complaint also accuses officials and police personnel of misconduct with lawyers protesting at the site. It alleges that advocates were subjected to “abusive behaviour, pushing, and use of force” during the course of the demolition exercise.
Calling advocates an “integral part of the justice delivery system”, the complaint argues that coercive action taken without due process amounts to a violation of constitutional protections guaranteed under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
The complainant has urged the Commission to examine whether the demolition was carried out strictly in accordance with the high court’s order and established legal procedure. He has also sought legal action against officials if violations relating to notice, hearing, or rehabilitation are found during the inquiry.
The plea additionally seeks an inquiry into the alleged use of force against lawyers and directions for protection of the “rights and dignity” of affected advocates.
The demolition drive comes amid a wider crackdown by authorities in Lucknow on alleged encroachments and unauthorised constructions across the city. In recent months, multiple demolition and sealing drives have been conducted by civic authorities following directions from courts and enforcement agencies.
Reportedly, tension continued to prevail around the court complex after the demolition, with heavy police deployment remaining in place through Sunday evening.