The indefinite ‘No Work’ strike launched by the District Bar Association (DBA), Ludhiana, against the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) policy entered its ninth consecutive day on Wednesday, bringing judicial work in the district courts to a near-complete halt.Responding to the call of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Punjab Bar Associations, advocates abstained from appearing before courts, resulting in the adjournment of hearings in a majority of cases. Litigants who had travelled to the courts were compelled to return without any progress in their matters.As part of the continuing agitation, the main gate connecting the Court Complex with the Chambers Complex remained closed throughout the day. The protest remained peaceful, with lawyers reiterating that the strike would continue until the government or the competent authority gives a formal written assurance addressing their demands regarding the LADC policy.Meanwhile, a crucial meeting between representatives of the Bar Associations and the concerned authorities was held in Chandigarh on Tuesday to discuss the contentious policy. However, despite prolonged deliberations, the meeting ended without any breakthrough. Following the inconclusive talks, the Joint Action Committee announced that the statewide agitation would continue until a written assurance is issued.District Bar Association president Vipin Sagar said the existing LADC policy posed a serious challenge to the professional rights of advocates, the autonomy of Bar Associations and the independence of the justice delivery system. He maintained that the legal fraternity would not accept mere verbal assurances and would end the agitation only after receiving a formal written commitment from the competent authority.DBA secretary Himanshu Walia said the ‘No Work’ strike would continue until further directions were issued by the Joint Action Committee of Punjab Bar Associations. He added that advocates across Punjab were participating in the agitation in a united manner to protect the dignity of the Bar, the interests of lawyers and the independence of the judicial system.Meanwhile, the General House of the District Bar Association met at the Bar Room Complex and unanimously passed a resolution, in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court, reserving one post of Joint Secretary and four Executive members in upcoming DBA annual elections scheduled to be held on September 11.