Typists sit idle near Patna High Court on Wednesday. Picture by Deepak Kumar

Patna, Feb. 16: The weeklong long strike of lawyers across the state — that entered its second day today — has not only paralysed the legal system but has also hit others badly who depend on the activities of the Patna High Court to make a living.

Typists, photocopy shops, Internet cafes, juice vendors, tea-stall owners are witnessing unwanted off days because of the lawyers’ protest.

The courts wore a deserted look today, as lawyers and clients kept away. But those who earn their daily living by providing goods and services to lawyers and their clients bemoaned the loss.

A tea-stall owner said he had incurred a 75 per cent loss today.

The situation could worsen if the lawyers carry out their indefinite strike to demand the rollback of the high court notification for the establishment of evening courts.

“I did not have any business today. No one came to my shop to get any photocopy done,” said Satyendra Narayan Singh, owner of Shivam Enterprises, a photocopy shop on the premises of the high court. Singh added that as the shop was on the premises of the court, it was reliant on the legal works for its daily revenue.

Ajitabh, owner of Jai Mata Dee — a shop that provides a meleé of services like photocopying, Internet, mobile recharge and typing, too had a same experience.

“I do about 5,000 photocopies everyday and earn Rs 2,000 from computer typing and Rs 1,000 from Internet and mobile services. But today, I did not earn anything,” said Ajitabh.

On being asked why he had opened the shop, he replied that the Bar council had directed them to keep their shops open during office hours. But we are only whiling away our time,” he added.

Typists, who usually do brisk business on regular days, sat idle today.

Shiv Nandan Prasad, a typist said: “Instead of sitting idle at home I thought I would come here and try my luck. I usually earn Rs 200 to Rs 300 daily. But today I have earned nothing.”

Mahendra Kumar, another typist, said he had some work for this week but if the strike continued after that, everyone would be badly affected.

Juice vendor Mahtab Alam said he had been able to sell only one-fourth of what he does usually. “I sell juice worth Rs 800. Today, I have not earned more than Rs 200,” he said.

Even the Bar council canteen witnessed a slump is business today. A canteen employee said it depends entirely on the visitors to the high court for business. So the strike meant a virtual off day for them.

Pawan Kumar, a lawyer, said the men in black should not have abstained from attending court. “But I am supporting the strike because, as you can see, the bar council has a huge influence,” said Pawan.