Patna: Court employees across Bihar continued their indefinite strike for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, disrupting judicial proceedings statewide. The third and fourth-grade employees, on strike since January 16, are demanding promotions, the removal of salary disparities, and other reforms, leaving courtrooms empty and halting key judicial functions.
Strike’s Statewide Impact
The strike involves approximately 11,000 employees across the state, including around 750 staff in Patna district courts. Judicial operations have been severely impacted, with tasks like filing records, setting dates, processing bail applications, and issuing bail release orders coming to a standstill.
General Secretary of the District Advocates Association, Rishikesh Narayan Sinha, noted that the strike has left courtrooms deserted, with only judges present in their chambers. “No testimony is being recorded, no prisoners are being produced, and no judgments are being delivered. This has caused significant difficulties for lawyers and the general public alike,” he said.
Sinha also mentioned a misleading message circulated among the District Advocates Association’s Patna group, falsely claiming that the strike had ended. However, upon reaching the courts, it was clear that the strike remained ongoing.
Employees’ Demands
The striking employees have outlined four key demands:
- Elimination of salary disparities.
- Timely promotions for third and fourth-grade employees.
- Full implementation of compassionate reinstatement policies.
- Establishment of a special judicial cadre.
Jayaprabha, vice president of the employees’ union, criticized the government’s inaction, stating, “Only two people are doing the work of 20, yet the government has not sent any representative to address our demands. The strike continues across the state.”
Work Stalled, Public Inconvenienced
The strike has left thousands of cases pending, with no progress on routine administrative tasks such as correspondence with departments and handling case records. Litigants and lawyers have expressed frustration over the disruption.
Jitendra Chaudhary, a Bahadurganj resident, said he had come to testify in a case but had to return without being heard. Similarly, Vikas Kumar, who visited Patna Civil Court, shared his difficulties, stating, “All work has come to a halt, and nothing has been done for the last two days.”
Advocates Extend Support
The strike has garnered support from the legal community, with advocates calling the demands of the court employees “justified.” The Bihar State Bar Council, representing 111 district and sub-divisional courts, has extended solidarity with the employees.
Despite the widespread disruption, the employees show no signs of backing down, with union leaders emphasizing their determination to continue the strike until their demands are met. Meanwhile, the government has yet to issue a statement or engage in dialogue with the striking employees.
