DARJEELING, August 19, 2025 —The Darjeeling Bar Association initiated a one-day work stoppage today, abstaining from all court proceedings in response to an alleged derogatory remark regarding the Nepali language, reportedly made by a judicial officer during a recent session in Mungpoo.
On August 18, the Bar Association held an emergency meeting chaired by President M.C. Pradhan, during which members unanimously resolved to halt participation in courtwork as a symbolic stand against the remark deemed disrespectful toward Nepali—one of India’s officially recognized languages.
Reports indicate that a judicial officer, Mrs. Alkananda Sarkar, questioned a lawyer’s use of Nepali in court, a move that the legal community found hurtful and insensitive.
The Bar Association emphasized that the protest was not aimed at targeting any individual but was intended as a peaceful affirmation of respect for cultural identity and linguistic diversity in the Hills.
Copies of the resolution were shared with Bar Associations in Kalimpong, Kurseong, and Mirik, with the latter two associations publicly aligning in support of the action.
Lawyers involved requested that due to their absence, no punitive legal measures be taken and no court orders be issued against their non-participation, reinforcing the peaceful nature of the protest.
