Bar Association warns of disciplinary action, Rs 2,500 fine and suspension of membership for violating resolution
27 July, 2026 – Chandigarh : Advocates of the District Court, Chandigarh, have decided to abstain from work in protest against the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System (LADCS).
Sandeep Gujjar, Vice-President of the District Bar Association (DBA), Chandigarh, said the decision was taken at the General House meeting held on Monday. During the meeting, it was unanimously resolved to abstain from work with effect from July 27, until further orders, in support of the ongoing movement concerning the implementation of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) System.
It was further resolved that no advocate, junior advocate or intern shall appear, attend or conduct any court work during the period of abstention. Any member found violating the resolution by appearing personally or through a junior advocate or intern shall be liable to disciplinary action, a fine of ₹2,500, and debarment from the membership of the District Bar Association, Chandigarh, as decided by the General House.
The General House also constituted a committee, along with the Executive Committee, to monitor compliance with the resolution and enforce the decision, including the imposition of the prescribed fine.
The committee comprises Ashok Chauhan, President; Sandeep Gujjar, Vice-President; Amish Sharma, Secretary; Ujjval Bhasin, Treasurer of the DBA; and members N.K. Nanda, Malkiat Singh Jandiala and N.K. Kapil.
The Legal Aid Defence Counsel System (LADCS) is a legal aid model introduced by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to provide free legal representation in criminal cases to persons eligible under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. It follows a public defender model under which full-time, salaried lawyers are appointed by the District Legal Services Authorities exclusively to handle criminal legal aid matters, from the stage of arrest and remand to trial, appeal and regular prison visits.
Unlike traditional legal aid panel advocates, LADCS lawyers are not permitted to maintain private practice and are supported by a dedicated office and administrative staff. The scheme was initially introduced as a pilot project in 2020 and was later expanded across the country under the Modified LADCS Scheme, 2022.
Initially launched as a pilot project in 17 States and Union Territories (and made functional in 13 States), the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System has since been expanded nationwide and is presently operational through around 680 district LADC offices across 37 States and Union Territories under the aegis of NALSA.
The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has also expressed serious concern, stating that the present structure and implementation of the LADCS has created a parallel state-funded criminal defence mechanism that has adversely affected the independent Bar by diverting substantial criminal work, particularly in smaller districts. According to the Bar Council, the system has reduced professional opportunities, concentrated legal aid work among a limited number of salaried defence counsels, and diminished the role of traditional legal aid panels.
The Tribune