Advocates cannot get away with anything: Bombay High Court
The Bombay High Court on Thursday emphasized the principle of equality before the law, stating, "Advocates cannot get away with anything. Law is the same for all." The statement was made during a hearing in response to a petition seeking amendments to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for certain exemptions for lawyers under Sections 353 and 332.
Petition seeks legal protections for lawyers
The petition was filed by Advocate Nitin Satpute following an incident at a protest in Mumbai's Azad Maidan on February 2. The demonstration was organized in response to the alleged abduction and murder of two lawyers from Ahmednagar on January 27, 2024, reportedly by a client. During the protest, several lawyers, including Satpute, were allegedly mishandled, leading to injuries and even fainting in one case.
Court seeks evidence of alleged police misconduct
The court also requested more information about the incident from advocate Vinod Raman and noted the absence of medical certificates to confirm injuries allegedly sustained by lawyers. The court acknowledged the right to protest but called for concrete evidence of any reported attacks. It emphasized that allegations of illegal and arbitrary police action were serious but needed to be substantiated with proof.
Police deny unlawful conduct, court postpones hearing
Representing the police, Chief Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar referred to CCTV footage, which he claimed showed no unlawful or arbitrary behavior by police officers. He explained that barricades had been put up to prevent lawyers from marching towards Mantralaya, a restricted area. The court has asked Venegaonkar to provide a formal response to the petition and has postponed the hearing until May 16.
