Delhi High Court lawyers have extended their work boycott to protest a proposed plan that shifts civil cases up to ₹10 crore to district courts. The association argues the move will displace 70% of High Court litigation and claims only Parliament has the power to change court jurisdiction rules.
Lawyers at the Delhi High Court have extended their ongoing strike for another day, continuing a work boycott that has halted legal proceedings. The protest is a reaction to a recommendation by the High Court's full bench to increase the pecuniary jurisdiction of Delhi's district courts. Under the proposed changes, district courts would gain the authority to handle civil and commercial cases valued up to ₹10 crore, significantly expanding from the current ₹2 crore threshold.
Concerns Over Legal Practice and Jurisdiction
The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has voiced strong opposition, stating that the proposed shift could redirect nearly 70% of civil litigation away from the High Court. According to the association, this transition would severely impact the professional practice of lawyers currently operating within the High Court. DHCBA President N Hariharan has highlighted that many civil disputes, particularly those involving real estate, are valued between ₹5 crore and ₹10 crore. Because property valuation for court fees is tied to circle rates rather than actual market prices, a large portion of these cases would immediately fall under the new district court jurisdiction if the proposal is implemented.
Disagreement on Consultation and Authority
A primary grievance cited by the Bar Association is the lack of joint consultation. Lawyers contend that the High Court's administrative decision-making process favored the district court Bar's demands without adequately addressing the High Court Bar's concerns in a unified setting. Beyond the procedural aspect, the DHCBA has challenged the legal basis of the recommendation. The association argues that under the Delhi High Court Act, 1966, only the Indian Parliament has the legislative authority to modify the pecuniary jurisdiction of the courts. While the High Court may provide administrative recommendations, the Bar maintains that a legislative amendment is required for the change to become law.
Future Steps for the Legal Body
The protest remains active as the association seeks intervention from the Union Law Ministry. While a previous legal challenge to stop the report’s presentation to the full court was dismissed on July 10, the court acknowledged at that time that final authority rests with Parliament. Moving forward, the impact on civil case filings and the potential for parliamentary debate on the Delhi High Court Act will be the key developments to track. The resolution of this standoff depends on whether the government engages with the Bar's demands for a reconsidered approach to case distribution.