In a recent session, the Delhi High Court expressed concern over the Delhi High Court Bar Association’s (DHCBA) decision to strike, emphasizing the adverse impact on litigants. The DHCBA has chosen to abstain from their duties in response to a proposed change that would raise the pecuniary jurisdiction of district courts from ₹2 crore to ₹20 crore.
During the proceedings, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav engaged with a proxy counsel to understand the reason behind the strike. The counsel explained that the Bar Association is protesting against the proposal to increase the district courts’ pecuniary jurisdiction.
Justice Kaurav questioned the appropriateness of the strike, pointing out, “How can you abstain from court work? If lawyers don’t appear, who will suffer? You have to work for the litigants. Abstaining from the court is not proper. If you have grievances, they should be presented at the appropriate forum through an appropriate mechanism.”
The judge further inquired about the role of proxy counsel appearing without instructions, noting, “How can you assist without instructions? We are anyway left with a few working days [before vacations].”
Background on the Jurisdiction Proposal
In May 2025, the Coordination Committee of the All District Courts Bar Association of Delhi had addressed a letter to Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and members of the Law Commission. The letter requested an increase in the pecuniary jurisdiction of district courts from ₹2 crore to ₹20 crore.
Subsequently, a committee comprising Delhi High Court judges was established to examine the proposal, engage with stakeholders, and provide recommendations. Despite these efforts, the DHCBA remains opposed to the jurisdictional changes.
On January 24, the Registrar General of the High Court extended an invitation to the Coordination Committee of the All District Courts Bar Association, asking a few representatives to participate in a discussion with the judges’ committee. This meeting aimed at addressing the concerns and opposition raised by the DHCBA.
