LI Network
Published on: December 1, 2023 at 22:52 IST
In response to an assault on a young lawyer by police officers in Chikmagalur, the Karnataka High Court raised concerns about the State government’s commitment to passing legislation safeguarding advocates from violence.
Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty informed the court that a lawyers’ protection bill was under consideration by the Legislative Assembly.
The bench, led by Chief Justice PB Varale and Justice Krishna Dixit, emphasized the necessity for the State government to enact the proposed law promptly.
Expressing frustration, Justice Dixit remarked, “What is the point in having a bill? It will be used only for pani puri. Unless you put it in a certain place and it is passed. What is that bill (but) a printed piece of paper?”
The suo motu case, initiated following a complaint from the Advocate Association of Bengaluru, highlighted an incident where a lawyer was assaulted by the police for not wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler.
Despite a plea to issue directions requiring police to inform lawyers’ associations about arrests during their duties, the court refrained, citing the pending lawyers’ protection bill.
The court urged lawyers to submit representations to relevant forums to incorporate their concerns into the pending legislation. Expressing strong disapproval of the attack, the court assured the legal fraternity of continued monitoring of the case.
Addressing the lawyers, Chief Justice Varale stated, “The lawyers’ place is not on the streets. The lawyers’ place is always in the courts. Please request your colleagues. We quite understand there will be some rising of emotions … We understand, this will be a natural reaction of any colleague. Please, at the same time, don’t stand on streets. Don’t abstain, go to the court, perform your job, perform your duties in the court.”
The court announced its intention to request action-taken reports from State authorities and disclosed that a senior police officer would conduct the investigation.
Additionally, the court rejected a request for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, noting the suspension of the six implicated police officials.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 5.
