Rajasthan lawyers enforce shutdown

Jaipur : Some 70,000 lawyers belonging to different courts took to the street accross Rajasthan on Friday to ensure a total shutdown.

The lawyers have been on strike in courts for the past 20 days seeking cancellation of the ongoing examination process for recruitment of 36 judicial officers in the state. They have alleged that the examination proecess is replete with irregularities.

The agitatos have formed groups to protest across the state and have asked people to participate in the bandh and support their demand.

Several political parties, including the main opposition BJP, have supported the bandh call.

Mahesh Sharma, co-ordinator of the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association Sangharsh Samiti, said essential services would not be affected because of the bandh and help booths would be set up.

Following a Rajasthan High Court order, Friday was declared as a Government holiday in the state to mark the Ramdeora Fair in Jaisalmer.

Educational institutions as well as government offices remained closed on this occasion. But routine commuters, traders and private offices suffered because of the bandh

Taking no chances, the Home Department made elaborate security arrangements.

“Special police teams have been deployed at sensitive points. None will be allowed to take law into their hands,” said a senior Home official.

IG, Jaipur, BL Soni, said more than 300 additional cops had been deployed in Jaipur and mobile parties would also be there to keep a watch on the agitating lawyers.