1,000 lawyers join Maha Dharna in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: Over 1,000 advocates took to streets as they continue to protest over the setting up of the High Court as part of the 'Maha Dharna' here on Friday. Raising slogans 'We demand High Court', the lawyers took part in the agitation in front of the District Court.

They said that the work had come to a standstill as they stopped taking up any case in the court. Lawyers mentioned that the agitation would be intensified in the coming days. Visakhapatnam Bar Association has a strength of over 6,000 advocates.

"Of which, 1,000 are women lawyers. Moreover, with the existence of a national law college and four law colleges, including Dr B R Ambedkar College of Law, Andhra University, and NBM Law College, hence the destination is more conducive to establish permanent High Court rather than anywhere else," asserted Kuppili Muralidhar, president of Forum of Legal Professionals.

The agitation demanding permanent location of High Court is likely to continue till November 8. However, after a review meeting scheduled on the same day, the lawyers will decide whether to intensify their protest further or not.

According to advocate P Nageswara Rao, advocates continue to boycott the courts until a solution was provided on the permanent structure of the High Court. While advocates belonging to Rayalaseema region demand the establishment of the High Court in Kurnool, the lawyers from the North Coastal Andhra demand it be shifted to Visakhapatnam.