[Lawyer Vs Judge] SCBA Passed Resolution Condemning Police Brutality Against Advocates In Ghaziabad: Ask For Immediate Justice

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The Supreme Court Bar Association emphasizes that it “shall not tolerate any attack on the prestige of Advocates” and, in pursuit of justice and accountability, calls upon the Hon’ble High Court of Allahabad and the Uttar Pradesh Government to take the following essential actions:

[Lawyer Vs Judge] Resolution Condemning Police Brutality Against Advocates in Ghaziabad: A Call for Immediate Justice

SCBA/EC.2024-25 | Dated: 30.10.2024

Resolution Summary

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has issued a stern condemnation of the “inhumane and violent act of police on Advocates inside Court premises in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh,” directed by Mr. Anil Kumar-X, the Learned Additional District & Sessions Judge, Ghaziabad.

This incident, involving a forceful “lathi charge on the Advocates,” exemplifies an abuse of authority by the Uttar Pradesh Police, constituting a “clear violation of their rights and the rule of law.” Such a breach against legal professionals in the court’s premises raises serious concerns about protecting and respecting Advocates’ rights in the state.

SCBA’s Demands for Immediate Action and Justice

The Supreme Court Bar Association emphasizes that it “shall not tolerate any attack on the prestige of Advocates” and, in pursuit of justice and accountability, calls upon the Hon’ble High Court of Allahabad and the Uttar Pradesh Government to take the following essential actions:

Independent Judicial Inquiry: The SCBA demands an “inquiry into the conduct of Mr. Anil Kumar-X (Ld.Additional District & Sessions Judge) Ghaziabad by a sitting Hon’ble Judge of Hon’ble High Court Judge of Allahabad.” This inquiry should be supervised by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the High Court of Allahabad and the Administrative Judge responsible for Ghaziabad’s judicial matters.
Comprehensive Investigation of the Incident: The SCBA insists on a thorough investigation to “bring the guilty Ld.Additional District & Sessions Judge and police officers to justice,” ensuring that those accountable face appropriate legal consequences.
Dismissal of Responsible Officials: In a bid to restore faith in the judiciary and police, SCBA calls for the “dismissal of the services of Mr. Anil Kumar-X (Ld.Additional District & Sessions Judge) Ghaziabad and police officers responsible for the lathi charge.”
Compensation for Injured Advocates: Recognizing the physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon the legal professionals, SCBA demands fair “compensation to the injured advocates.”
Measures to Prevent Recurrence of Such Incidents: The Association urges the authorities to implement strict protocols to “ensure that such incidents do not recur,” protecting advocates from future injustices within court premises.
Implementation of an Advocates Protection Act: As a preventive measure, SCBA advocates for the introduction and enforcement of “the Advocates Protection Act for protection of Advocates and its families against such brutal incidents,” which would offer legal safeguards for advocates and their families.
Strengthening Law and Order Accountability: Finally, SCBA urges the state government to enhance the “law and order situation in the State” and implement policies to hold “police personnel accountable for their actions,” ensuring that misuse of power does not go unchecked.

SCBA’s Appeal to Legal Bodies Nationwide

Beyond these immediate actions, the SCBA also calls upon the “Bar Council of India and all other State Bar Councils to take necessary steps to protect the rights of Advocates,” ensuring they can perform their duties without fear of “intimidation or harassment.” The Association’s appeal highlights a larger need for solidarity among legal bodies to safeguard the welfare of legal professionals across the country.

Statement of Solidarity and Commitment to Justice

Standing firmly by the side of Ghaziabad’s legal community, the SCBA reiterates its unwavering support: “The Supreme Court Bar Association stands in solidarity with the advocates of Ghaziabad and pledges to do everything in its power to ensure that justice is served.”

Issued by:

VIKRANT YADAV
Hony. Secretary

This resolution not only seeks justice but also emphasizes SCBA’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of advocates. It is a call for systemic reforms, stronger protective measures, and unwavering accountability in the judicial and law enforcement processes in Uttar Pradesh.

The Supreme Court Bar Association’s (SCBA) resolution condemning the police’s aggressive conduct towards advocates in Ghaziabad is a powerful and necessary response to a deeply concerning incident. Such actions, especially within court premises, represent a troubling breach of trust and respect for legal professionals whose role is to uphold justice and serve the public.

The fact that these advocates were subjected to a “lathi charge” reflects a severe overreach of police authority and raises critical questions about the relationship between law enforcement and the judicial process.

This situation underscores the importance of accountability, especially when it involves those in positions of power within the judiciary and law enforcement. The SCBA’s calls for an independent inquiry and the dismissal of those involved show a commitment to accountability and set a precedent that such abuses of power cannot be tolerated.

The demand for an Advocates Protection Act is particularly noteworthy. Implementing this type of legal safeguard could offer much-needed protection for legal professionals, ensuring they can operate without fear of harassment or harm—a right that is fundamental to a fair and just legal system.

Furthermore, the SCBA’s outreach to other bar councils nationwide reflects a solidarity that is essential for addressing systemic issues and pushing for broader, meaningful reforms. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for checks and balances within the justice system to ensure that those who uphold the law are, in turn, protected by it.

BRIEF FACTS

Yesterday (29th Oct) Chaos erupted at the Ghaziabad District Court when a confrontation ensued between lawyers and a judge over a case involving a Bar Association official.

The situation escalated into a brawl, prompting police to use lathi-charge to disperse the lawyers, resulting in several injuries.

Footage of the altercation circulated on social media, showing police forcibly removing lawyers from the courtroom, where chairs reportedly thrown during the chaos. The conflict began when a group of lawyers surrounded the judge’s chamber following a heated argument with the district judge. The judge then called for police assistance to clear the area.

In response to the lathi-charge, the lawyers organized a protest and vandalized a police post within the court complex. They also voiced their discontent by shouting slogans against the judge.

The Ghaziabad incident highlights the necessity for dialogue and resolution strategies that foster a collaborative environment between judges and lawyers. Both parties must recognize their shared goal of delivering justice and ensure that the courtroom remains a place for fair and impartial adjudication.

Following the incident, all judges in the court ceased their work, and the Bar Association has called for a meeting to address the situation.

Videos circulating on social media purportedly show a confrontation between a significant number of police officers and lawyers within the courtroom.According to reports, some officers were seen brandishing batons, and one even held a wooden chair, appearing to threaten the other party.

So far, there have been no reports of serious injuries.

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