SCBA Condemns Lathi Charge on Lawyers in Ghaziabad Court, Calls for Judicial Inquiry

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has passed a resolution expressing strong disapproval of a lathi charge incident against lawyers in the Ghaziabad District Court, reportedly conducted at the directive of District Judge Anil Kumar-X. The SCBA’s resolution calls for a comprehensive inquiry, demanding accountability from those involved in the attack on advocates. The association emphasized that any attack on lawyers undermines the justice system and urged for immediate action from the Allahabad High Court and Uttar Pradesh Government.

SCBA’s Call for Accountability and Justice

• The SCBA has condemned the violent incident, which it alleges was initiated under the direction of Mr. Anil Kumar-X, the District & Sessions Judge of Ghaziabad.
• It declared, “SCBA stands in solidarity with the advocates of Ghaziabad and pledges to do everything in its power to ensure that justice is served.”

Demands Presented by SCBA

• Judicial Inquiry: The SCBA has demanded an inquiry led by a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court, overseen by the Chief Justice and the Administrative Judge of the High Court responsible for the Ghaziabad District.
• Accountability for Judge and Police Officers: The association urged a thorough investigation and justice for those responsible, specifically targeting District Judge Anil Kumar-X and any involved police officials.
• Dismissal of Guilty Officials: SCBA has sought the dismissal of Mr. Anil Kumar-X and implicated police officers from their respective positions.
• Compensation for Injured Lawyers: SCBA insisted that compensation be provided to advocates injured during the lathi charge incident.
• Preventive Measures: The association called for proactive measures to prevent similar incidents, highlighting the need for protection measures for advocates.
• Advocates Protection Act: The SCBA demanded the introduction of an Advocates Protection Act to shield advocates and their families from such violent incidents in the future.

Ensuring Advocate Safety and Professional Rights

• SCBA emphasized the importance of a secure environment for advocates, allowing them to perform their duties without fear of harassment or intimidation.
• It appealed to the Bar Council of India and state bar councils to take prompt action in protecting advocates’ rights, stating, “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 and to ensure that they are able to discharge their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment.”
• The SCBA further urged improvements in law and order across Uttar Pradesh, stressing that police personnelinvolved in such incidents should be held accountable.
• This resolution aims to ensure that advocates’ safety and professional integrity are prioritized, calling on government authorities to take decisive action.