New Delhi: On Sunday, the coordination committee representing all Delhi Bar Associations reached a unanimous decision to strike on November 4, 2024, following an alleged attack on a lawyer in Ghaziabad, purportedly instigated by the district judge.
Advocate Jagdeep Vats, a member of the committee, denounced the police's actions, labeling the use of lathi charge against lawyers in the courtroom as intolerable, according to ANI.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) had previously condemned the alleged police violence against lawyers within the Ghaziabad court, describing it as a grave infringement on rights and a violation of the rule of law. The SCBA criticized the conduct of the UP Police, asserting that the actions, reportedly encouraged by district and sessions judge Anil Kumar, are unacceptable and threaten the integrity of the judicial system.
The SCBA has made it clear that it will not tolerate any attacks on the dignity of advocates. In light of recent events, the association has called on the Allahabad High Court and the Uttar Pradesh Government to take swift action.
Specifically, the SCBA demands an investigation into Anil Kumar's conduct, to be conducted by a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court, which includes the Chief Justice and the Administrative Judge responsible for Ghaziabad. The association is also calling for the immediate dismissal of Anil Kumar and the police officials involved in the lathi charge incident, alongside compensation for the injured lawyers.
To avert similar incidents in the future, the SCBA is advocating for protective measures for advocates and their families, including the implementation of an Advocates Protection Act. Additionally, the SCBA has urged the Bar Council of India and all State Bar Councils to take necessary actions to safeguard the rights of advocates, ensuring they can carry out their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment.
The SCBA has expressed its unwavering support for the advocates of Ghaziabad and is committed to doing everything in its power to ensure that justice is achieved.