MEERUT: Lawyers of Western Uttar Pradesh have initiated agitations for their long-standing demand for the establishment of a High Court bench in Meerut. On Saturday, their protest led to a suspension of work, with the registry office remaining closed. "This is as per the resolution passed in Bulandshahr Bar Association last week in which it was decided that the lawyers of all 22 districts of Western UP will not work on Saturdays in support of their demand for the Bench in West UP", said former president of Meerut Bar Association, Gajendra Dharma. He added that a meeting of the Central Action Committee (CAC) for the Bench will take place in Meerut on September 13. Discussions will be held to amplify the agitation and seek appointments with the law minister and the Prime Minister. Highlighting the urgency of their demand, veteran lawyer KK Pahwa, a driving force behind the Bench initiative, pointed out, "Almost 54% of all cases reaching the High Court originate from the 22 districts of Western UP. With thousands of litigants facing arduous journeys exceeding 700 kilometers to access the Allahabad High Court. Interestingly, the Lahore High Court is closer to Meerut than the states own court." Pahwa added that even with a strong representation of Eastern UP in the government, including a Chief Minister and two Deputy CMs, members of the CAC believe that attaining a Bench for Western UP remains challenging. This is despite having a decisive government both at the state and central levels.

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