Supreme Court Bar Association Condemns Police Violence Against Advocates in Ghaziabad; Demands Judicial Inquiry And Reforms

In a strongly worded resolution, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has condemned what it describes as “inhumane and violent” actions by the Uttar Pradesh Police against advocates inside the Ghaziabad Court premises.

The SCBA in its resolution dated October 30, alleged that the lathi charge, conducted under the direction of Additional District & Sessions Judge Mr. Anil Kumar-X, was a clear violation of advocates' rights and the rule of law.

The SCBA has called upon the Allahabad High Court and the Uttar Pradesh Government to take immediate action, emphasizing that the association will not tolerate attacks on advocates' professional dignity. The resolution sets forth several demands, including a judicial inquiry into Mr. Anil Kumar-X’s conduct, led by a sitting High Court judge and overseen by the Chief Justice and the Administrative Judge of the Allahabad High Court.

The SCBA also urged a comprehensive investigation into the incident, accountability for the responsible police officers, and disciplinary action, including dismissal, for those involved. Furthermore, the association demanded compensation for the injured advocates, preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future, and the enactment of an Advocates Protection Act to ensure the safety of legal professionals and their families.

The demands are as follows:

•⁠ ⁠Demand 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 headed by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of High Court of Allahabad along with Hon’ble Administrative Judge of Hon’ble High Court of Allahabad looking after the affairs of Ghaziabad District.

• Investigate the incident and bring the guilty Ld. Additional District & Sessions Judge and police officers to justice.

•⁠ ⁠Dismiss the services of Mr. Anil Kumar-X (Ld. Additional District & Sessions Judge) Ghaziabad and police officers responsible for the lathi charge.

•⁠ ⁠Pay compensation to the injured advocates.

• Take measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

• Introduce and implement the Advocates Protection Act for the protection of advocates and their families against such brutal incidents.

• Take steps to improve the law and order situation in the state and to ensure that the police personnel are accountable for their actions.

The SCBA has extended a call to the Bar Council of India and state bar councils, urging them to take steps to safeguard advocates’ rights and ensure that they can fulfill their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment. The association also underscored the need for systemic improvements in law enforcement accountability in Uttar Pradesh.

Expressing solidarity with the Ghaziabad advocates, the SCBA affirmed its commitment to pursuing justice and protecting advocates’ rights across the country.