The Bar Council of India today clarified that no decision has been taken to support calls for a Bharat Bandh in the background of farmers protests across the country.
BCI presented its suggestions in meeting held with central government on amendments to the three new farm legislations –
- The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020,
- The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020,
- The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
In the meeting BCI showed its concern on the new legislation and recommended following things:
- Adjudication of farmer grievances by a Special Tribunal presided over by a serving judicial officer not below the rank of Additional District Judge,
- Freedom to farmers to engage lawyers of their choice in proceedings,
- A time frame within which decision the forum will decide disputes,
- An option allowing for the appeal against orders or decisions of the forum before the High Courts.
It has also issued communication to all other councils on not making any decision to support the Bharat Bandh on December 8th.
