The functioning of the Allahabad High Court came to a standstill on Friday as lawyers abstained from judicial work in protest against the dwindling number of judges and the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill.

The High Court Bar Association (HCBA) had announced the decision to boycott court proceedings on Thursday, pressing for their demands. On Friday morning, lawyers gathered at the main gate of the court and refused to enter the premises.

HCBA President Anil Tiwari highlighted the severe shortage of judges, stating that while the sanctioned strength of the Allahabad High Court is 160, only 55 judges are currently serving, with an additional 23 judges at the Lucknow bench. This shortfall has exacerbated case pendency, with matters remaining unheard for months, he added.

The HCBA is demanding not only that the sanctioned strength of judges be filled but also that the number of judges be increased to address the growing backlog of cases.

Additionally, the lawyers voiced strong opposition to the Centre’s proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill, arguing that its provisions undermine the interests of advocates and the autonomy of bar associations. The bill seeks to amend the Advocates Act, 1961, introducing significant changes to the definitions of "legal practitioner" and "law graduate."

As per the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a law graduate is defined as a person who has obtained a bachelor's degree in law—either a three-year or five-year course—from a recognized university, college, or any other center of legal education prescribed by law and recognized by the Bar Council of India.

The protests reflect growing concerns within the legal community over both judicial vacancies and regulatory changes affecting legal professionals.