Allahabad High Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance Of UP Educational Services Tribunal Matter

The Allahabad High Court Bar Association and the Awadh Bar Association have been in a tussle ever since the Government's proposal to establish an Education Services Tribunal in the State.

The dispute is as to whether the Tribunal should be established at Prayagraj, i.e. where the Principal Seat of the High Court is situated or at Lucknow, the city that was initially proposed by the State Government in 2019.

The Uttar Pradesh Education Service Tribunal Bill, 2021 that was tabled in the state Assembly in February this year proposes to constitute two benches of the Tribunal in Lucknow and Allahabad (now known as Prayagraj).

Both the Bar Associations have been opposing the Bill, by resorting to strike, for different reasons- While HCBA, Allahabad is opposing the Bill as the Bill proposes to establish Tribunal's Principal Bench in Lucknow, on the other hand, the Awadh Bar Association is miffed over the bifurcation of the Tribunal at two places.

The Allahabad HCBA said that establishment of Principal Bench of Tribunal at Lucknow is against the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court.

The Awadh Bar Association on the other hand claimed that the decision to bifurcate the Education Tribunal at two places has generated anger and resentment amongst the general public as well as amongst the members of the Bar.

Also Read: Strict Action Will Be Taken Against Advocates Who Appear Before Court Or Indulge In Physical/E-Filing: Allahabad HC Bar Assn. Warns Lawyers

In related news, both the Bar Associations are also at odds with respect to establishment of the GST Appellate Tribunal.

The Awadh Bar Association has moved the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, urging that the GST Tribunal should be set up in Lucknow given its geographical situation and good connectivity.

The Court has asked the Government authorities to seek instructions in the matter and is likely to hear it tomorrow.