The Bar Council of India has urged bar associations to refrain from protesting against the three new criminal laws that government has decided to implement from July1 this year.
Lawyers have decided to observe July 1 as black day.
On its part the bar council has urged bar associations to submit specific provisions of the new laws that they find unconstitutional or detrimental, to facilitate a dialogue with the union government.
A group of 109 former civil servants feel, India will no longer be a functioning democracy, if these laws come into effect. They have urged the government to defer the implementation of such laws.
The three new criminal bills had been enacted by the government last year but will be enforced now.
This appeal from the bar council comes in the wake of widespread resentment amongst the lawyer who feel that so many provisions in these laws were totally unjustified, anti people and undemocratic.
The bar council has also assured bar associations and legal fraternity of the country that the issues have been taken seriously and there was no cause of immediate concern.
Union home minister Amit Shah while introducing the three new bills had said , they would end the colonial laws and provide criminal laws by Indians for Indians.
The bew laws increase power of the state to collect personal data and seize property and make it more difficult to secure bail. They also naje punishments more stringent.
The lawyers have also alleged that new laws will hand over extraordinary powers which should normally be available in emergency situations which is already provided in the constitution.
