Advocates protest against attacks on colleagues

The incident comes just days after the murder of another lawyer advocate Esrayal, who was stabbed to death by an electrician. Lawyers from lower courts across the city abstained from their work and joined the protest, demanding strict action and implementation of the long-pending Advocates Protection Act. members of the Rangareddy Bar Association also wore black bands to mark their protest.

“The Advocates Protection Act is the need of the hour. Despite our marches to the Assembly and continuous requests, the government has failed to act. It doesn’t matter who the accused is, anyone who attacks an advocate must be punished strictly,” said Rajavardhan Reddy, president of the Nampally Bar Association.

Vasanth Kumar, president of the Secunderabad Bar Association, stated, “Advocates Protection Act is needed in the entire India and not just in our state. Many attacks are being made against the advocates, while some come to the forefront, some go unnoticed and hence I request the Bar Council of India, Bar Council of Telangana, Law ministry and state government to implement the act as soon as possible to save the advocates.”

Advocate Shujath Hussain said, “Only the Advocates Protection Act can stop these attacks. In recent times, these attacks have increased a lot. There should be strict punishment to create fear among those who even think of attacking a lawyer.”

Lawyers say the government’s delay in implementing the Act has left them vulnerable and if action is not taken soon, more lives could be at risk.