High Court Intervenes; Lawyers' Strike Called off
Patna: April 9, 2008
More than 80,000 lawyers across the state called off their 10-day strike on Wednesday after a three-judge bench led by acting Chief Justice C. K. Prasad imposed a stay on the recent hike in court fees after hearing a PIL on the issue filed by Muzaffarpur lawyer Sudhir Kumar Ojha.
The bench comprising Justice Barin Ghosh and Justice J. N. Singh, beside the acting Chief Justice, ordered a stay on the court fee hike earlier announced by the state government.
In his argument, Ojha said that though the per capital income of Bihar was much lower than many other states, the new court fees were substantially higher than the ones in developed states.
Until this PIL is settled, the court would continue to operate under the old fee scheme, the court ruled.
The next day for hearing has been set for May 16.
Satisfied by the court ruling, the agitating lawyers announced their decision to call off their strike that has left the entire judiciary in the state in shamble.
Lawyers are expected to return to courthouses on Thursday.
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