The Calcutta High Court witnessed near-total stagnation on Friday as government employees’ unions called for a state-wide strike demanding the immediate implementation of Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears. Chief Justice Sujoy Paul attended his courtroom, but proceedings could not be conducted due to the absence of lawyers and court officers.

Key Highlights:

• Impact on Judiciary: The Chief Justice noted that he cannot proceed with cases without legal representation from both sides. Court officers were absent, and assistance was provided only by the Chief Justice’s personal aides.
• Protests: Employees staged demonstrations outside the High Court’s ‘B-Gate’. Tensions also flared at the Food Bhavan between supporters and opponents of the strike, requiring police intervention.
• The Legal Deadlock: The Supreme Court had mandated the payment of 25% of DA arrears by March 31, but the state government has requested an extension until December 31, fueling the agitation by employee unions and teachers’ organizations.

With the Bar Association supporting the strike, the judicial process remains heavily disrupted across the state.