Court Ruling Bars Lawyers from Occupying Public Land in Lucknow

In a decisive ruling on August 25, the Supreme Court rejected a petition filed by Lucknow’s Central Bar Association that challenged the removal of illegal structures on public roads and utility land within the court complex. The bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta ordered the immediate and peaceful evacuation of all unauthorised premises.

Senior advocate Adish Agarwal appealed for a designated alternative space for the lawyers, but the judges clarified that holding office in the Bar Association does not legitimize the occupation of public property. The Court stressed that occupying main thoroughfares and open areas inside the complex, and constructing illegal edifices, cannot be defended on the basis of association titles.

Justice Vikram Nath recounted his observations from his two‑year stint as a senior judge at the Lucknow court, noting that the illegal constructions have severely hampered traffic flow. He mandated the demolition of every unauthorised structure, stating that the obstruction of roads and traffic is unacceptable.

When counsel suggested that the state provide land for relocation, the Court advised the lawyers to purchase suitable property and request assistance from the state government. The bench also dismissed a proposal to refer the dispute to mediation.

The order follows similar actions taken by the Allahabad High Court, which earlier identified 72 illegal chambers and shops in the area. Although the High Court succeeded in tearing down over a hundred illegal structures, only a small number of the original encroachments were removed due to resistance from the legal fraternity. The Supreme Court’s latest directive seeks to complete the demolition by Sunday to prevent any hindrance to court operations.