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The Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad (ABAP) (English: All India Lawyers' Council) is a right-wing Indian umbrella organization of lawyers associated with the right-wingHindutva organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The ABAP is often described in the media as the "RSS' legal front."[1] The organization states that it advocates for reform in the Indian judicial system that aligns with Hindu traditions.[2]
The Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad (ABAP), established in 1992, is a national organization of lawyers in India committed to promoting a legal system rooted in Indian cultural values and traditions. It aims to foster a judiciary that upholds dharma, national unity, and social justice, while ensuring that legal practices remain accessible and ethical. Inspired by the ideology of cultural nationalism and often seen as ideologically aligned with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), ABAP organizes legal awareness camps, professional development seminars, and national conferences for advocates and law students across the country. The organization advocates for the Indianization of the judiciary, the use of Indian languages in legal proceedings, and reforms that make the justice system more citizen-centric. With its presence at the district, state, and national levels, ABAP continues to work toward bridging the gap between the legal system and the common citizen. It also engages with law reform processes and contributes to public legal discourse through publications and memoranda submitted to government bodies.[5]
Organizational structure
Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad is a national organization of lawyers with branches in all Indian States and union territories. These branches are connected through local state-level lawyer groups.[6]
The organization coordinates these State bodies. Annually, the Parishad holds meetings of its National Executive and National Council in various locations across the country. A national conference is held every three years, attended by members from across India.
The Parishad regularly organizes events such as conferences, discussions, and lectures. These events cover topics including the Constitution, national and social issues, legal matters, and family law. The organization states its aim to help lawyers enhance their knowledge and skills to serve justice, while remaining connected to Indian traditions and values.
To support young lawyers, the Parishad conducts study circles in court buildings as part of its “Continuous Education Programme.”
The Parishad also engages in publishing and academic work. It publishes a quarterly journal called Nyayapravah, which contains articles on new laws, important court decisions, the justice system, and Indian values.
The Nyaya Kendras are legal aid centers established by ABAP to make justice accessible to socially and economically disadvantaged sections of society.[2]
Legal Awareness Camp
ABAP organizes Legal Awareness Camps to inform people about their individual or collective rights as citizens.[2]
Educational Initiatives
ABAP regularly organizes National, state, district, subdivision, and court-level seminars, symposiums, and workshops. Court units also hold periodic study circles under the guidance of senior advocates, with the cooperation of junior advocates. These focus on specific statutes, their application, new Bills, amendments, or other relevant issues.[2]
Public Interest Litigation
ABAP has used PIL to intervene on behalf of vulnerable groups, including Scheduled Castes and Tribes, farmers, informal sector workers, and women. The Parishad typically does not file these cases in its name. Local activists and organizations are represented, assisted, and guided by advocates from the Parishad.[2]
Study and Research Group
Similar to the court unit study circles, study and research groups are formed at the State and National levels to examine Bills, new or amended Acts, Laws, and Rules.
The ABAP publishes a quarterly bilingual magazine called 'Nyaya Pravah'.[7]
Adarsh Kumar Goel, appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of India in 2014, previously served as the General Secretary of the Adhivakta Parishad.[10]
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