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New Delhi: Thousands of lawyers in the Indian capital on Monday (July 15) protested against reforms in criminal legislation by striking classes and boycotting court hearings as opposition to the changes grew.
Many people have already Outraged at new law The bill, which took effect July 1, expands police powers to detain suspects pretrial and requires judges to issue written decisions within 45 days of the end of a trial.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has defended the reforms, which also include the death penalty for gang rape of women under 18, as “victim-centric,” modernizing the system and “ending the endless wait for justice.”
But lawyers’ groups, opposition parties and activists have called for a pause, saying the changes would give police too much power and put pressure on an already overburdened justice system as lawyers try to interpret and challenge the new legal provisions.
NC Sharma, spokesman for the Delhi All District Courts Bar Association, said lawyers from seven district courts around Delhi joined the strike on Monday.
He added: “Lawyers are protesting because the changes will cause chaos.”
When Reuters visited the Patiala district court in New Delhi on Monday, it was much quieter than usual. A court official who spoke on condition of anonymity said many cases were not heard and lawyers had requested a recess.
The Supreme Court and High Courts of India continue to function normally.
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