Demand for High Court Bench Intensifies: Shutdown Observed Across Meerut

By: The Trek News Desk

The call for the establishment of a High Court bench in western Uttar Pradesh gained fresh momentum on Wednesday as Meerut witnessed a near-total shutdown, supported by more than 22 districts across the region. From early morning, normal life in the city was disrupted, with markets closed and public movement significantly reduced.

Key commercial areas, including Abu Lane, Khair Nagar, Budhana Gate, Begumpul, Delhi Road, Garh Road and Bachcha Park, remained shut throughout the day. Traffic on city roads was noticeably thin, while auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws were seen in much smaller numbers than usual. Liquor outlets also remained closed, adding to the visible impact of the shutdown.

Lawyers Led Protests, Court Premises Locked

Advocates spearheaded the protest, staging demonstrations at the district court complex, where the main gates were locked as a mark of opposition. Members of the District Bar Association and Meerut Bar Association took to the streets early in the morning, reaching out to traders and residents to seek support for the shutdown.

Under the leadership of Meerut Bar Association President Sanjay Sharma, General Secretary Rajendra Singh Rana, District Bar President Rajeev Tyagi and General Secretary Amit Kumar Rana, lawyers urged the public to unite behind what they described as a long-pending and justified demand. A large number of both male and female advocates actively participated in the protest.

Speaking at the courthouse, an advocate named Lareb said that the demand for a High Court bench was both reasonable and achievable, adding that the agitation would continue until concrete action is taken.

Public Outreach Through Multiple Teams

To ensure wider participation, over 40 teams were deployed across different parts of the city to raise awareness among business groups and residents. Senior advocates, including Anand Kashyap, Ravindra Kumar, Devkinandan Sharma, former general secretary Ashish Chaurasia and Sachin Tyagi, were among those involved in the outreach efforts.

Doctors Extend Support, OPD Services Suspended

The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Meerut, also extended its support to the shutdown. As part of the protest, OPD services remained suspended from 9 am to 5 pm. IMA President Dr Manisha Tyagi and Secretary Dr Vikas Gupta clarified that emergency medical services continued without interruption, ensuring that critical patients were not affected.

Citywide Impact Visible

Throughout the day, markets across the city remained largely shut. Busy areas such as Hapur Adda, Central Market, Valley Bazar, Khair Nagar and Budhana Gate lacked their usual hustle and bustle. The shutdown underlined the growing intensity of the movement and brought the issue of judicial access in western Uttar Pradesh back into sharp focus.

Organisers indicated that the campaign for a High Court bench is set to escalate further in the coming days, signalling sustained pressure on authorities to address the long-standing demand.

Source: News Agencies