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Advocates Association Condemns of Lawyer, Demands Protection Act
Bar Body Takes Strong Stand Against Arbitrary Police Action
In a decisive move that underscores growing concerns over lawyer safety, the Advocates Association () on Friday passed a resolution condemning the alleged of a practicing advocate in Sabarkantha district. The association has called the action "," and demanded immediate accountability from police authorities.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
The resolution, passed at an urgent general body meeting on
, stems from a requisition submitted by
. It concerns
, a lawyer practicing before the
, who was reportedly placed under house arrest at Prantij, Sabarkantha. According to the association, the detention was carried out
"without prior notice, written order, or communication of any legal grounds or reasons by the concerned police authorities."
The bar body noted with "grave concern" that even after the lapse of time, the police have failed to disclose any legal basis or statutory authority for restricting Leuva's .
Constitutional Safeguards Violated
The resolution emphasizes that while advocates are subject to the law, any coercive action against them must adhere strictly to the
and
. It specifically invokes
—guaranteeing equality, freedom, and life and personal liberty—stressing that such arbitrary police action
"directly undermines the dignity, independence, and safety of Advocates."
Demand for Accountability and Protection
The association has called upon the and the to immediately furnish a full explanation along with the legal authority under which the house arrest was executed. It further demands strict disciplinary action against the officers responsible for disregarding .
In a significant move, the
has urged the
to
"forthwith introduce and enact a comprehensive
in the State of Gujarat"
to provide
against illegal interference, intimidation, harassment, and arbitrary action against advocates in connection with their professional duties.
Next Steps: Delegation and Unified Movement
The resolution authorizes the President and Managing Committee of the association to take three concrete actions:
- Lead a delegation to submit formal representations to the Hon'ble Chief Justice of the and the Hon'ble Minister for Law & Justice, .
- Coordinate with other district bar associations across Gujarat to build a unified movement demanding early enactment of the .
- Provide all necessary legal, professional, and institutional support to in initiating appropriate legal remedies before the competent court.
Key Observations from the Resolution
-
"Strongly condemns the action of the police authorities at Prantij, Sabarkantha, in placing under house arrest without legal sanction, notice, or written order."
-
"Calls upon the Director General of Police (DGP), Gujarat State, and the Superintendent of Police (SP), Sabarkantha, to immediately furnish a full explanation along with the legal authority under which the said action was executed."
-
"Urges the to forthwith introduce and enact a comprehensive in the State of Gujarat to provide , , and against Advocates."
A Call for Systemic Change
The resolution, passed unanimously, signals the legal fraternity's resolve to protect its members from arbitrary state action. By demanding both immediate accountability and long-term legislative protection, the has placed the issue squarely before the government and the judiciary. The coming weeks will likely see intensified efforts by bar associations across Gujarat to push for the —a law that could set a precedent for lawyer safety across the country.
