Lawyers, police clash in Lucknow as civic authorities demolish illegal chambers

Lawyers and Uttar Pradesh Police personnel clashed on Saturday after authorities demolished illegal chambers in Lucknow’s Qaiserbagh area, according to media reports.

About 240 illegal chambers were demolished outside the district magistrate’s office, a news report said.

The Times of India reported that as per the police, the situation escalated when a group of lawyers started pelting stones at the policemen. According to the Indian Express, the police resorted to mild force to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control. 

A Division Bench of the Allahabad High Court had recently directed that police force be provided to the Nagar Nigam, Lucknow to remove the illegal constructions.

The Court had noted that there were at least 72 encroachers, most of whom were advocates. Some shops had also been illegally constructed in the area in question.

The Court observed that people were suffering due to illegal encroachment on the public pathway near the District and Sessions Court in Lucknow. 

"Whatever needful steps have been taken by the Municipal Corporation, Lucknow, the same shall be concluded to its logical end and if the authorities thereof are needed any help from the District or Police authorities, the same may be provided to them to avoid any untoward incident," the Court had said.