Almora — A total of 111 advocates from Almora have submitted a joint memorandum to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, demanding the immediate commencement of construction for the long-promised Advocate Chambers at the new Collectorate premises. They have requested that the project, which was announced by the Chief Minister and allocated a budget of ₹371 lakh, be initiated without further delay. Until the construction is completed, the advocates have also requested temporary seating arrangements in the central courtyard (Lambi) on the first floor of the new Collectorate building.
The memorandum recalls that on November 30, 2023, the Chief Minister, in the presence of District In-charge Minister Dhan Singh Rawat, virtually laid the foundation stone for the chambers. However, even after one and a half years, construction work has yet to begin. The delay has caused significant inconvenience to advocates in carrying out their daily duties.
The advocates have questioned why a public announcement and foundation laying were made if there was no intention to begin construction. They have labeled the situation a betrayal, asking why funds were allocated by the government if the project was not to be executed.
Prominent signatories include Bar Association Vice President Kavindra Pant, Women Vice President Bhavana Joshi, Joint Secretary Prem Arya, Treasurer Rohit Bisht, former Presidents Shekhar Lakhchaura and Ramesh Singh Negi, and several senior and junior advocates. They demand that the construction begin immediately on the vacant land adjacent to the temple within the new Collectorate premises. They also insist that temporary seating for advocates be arranged until the chambers are fully built.
The same demand was also submitted to the District Magistrate of Almora on May 8, but no action has been taken so far.
The memorandum carries signatures from over 100 advocates, including senior, junior, women, and young lawyers. If swift action is not taken by the administration, the advocates have warned that they may launch a large-scale protest in the near future.
