Lawyers Across City Boycott Courts in Protest Against Brutal Attack on an Advocate
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Hyderabad,8, April, 2025.In a dreadful incident that has sent ripples across the legal community, Advocate Muhammad Mujtaba Ali, a respected member of the Metropolitan Criminal Courts Bar Association (MCCBA), was brutally attacked with a knife under the jurisdiction of Chilkalguda Police Station. The attack left him with grievous injuries, raising serious concerns about the safety of legal professionals.
In response to this heinous act, lawyers from lower courts across the city (Hyderabad) staged a widespread boycott of court proceedings on Monday. The protest was a direct reaction to the brutal assault and was aimed at demanding immediate and stringent action against the perpetrators. This incident comes just days after the tragic murder of another advocate, Esrayel, who was fatally stabbed by an electrician, further amplifying fears within the legal community.
The lawyers’ protest was not limited to the courtroom. Members of the Rangareddy Bar Association also joined in solidarity, wearing black bands to symbolize their grief and demand for justice. The protestors voiced their frustration over the government’s continued delay in implementing the long-pending Advocate Protection Act, which is designed to safeguard legal professionals from such violent attacks.
Calls for Urgent Implementation of Advocate Protection Act
Mr. Rajavardhan Reddy, President of the Metropolitan Criminal Courts Bar Association (MCCBA), emphasized the urgency of enacting the Advocate Protection Act, stating, “The need for this act is critical. Despite our continuous requests and even a march to the Assembly, the government has failed to take action. It doesn’t matter who the accused is—anyone who attacks a lawyer must face strict punishment.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr.Vasanth Kumar, President of the Secunderabad Bar Association, highlighted the nationwide relevance of the issue. “The Advocate Protection Act is not just needed in our state but across India. Many attacks on lawyers go unnoticed, and it’s time the Bar Council of India, the Bar Council of Telangana, the Law Ministry, and the state government take immediate steps to implement the act,” he stated.
Mr. Rehan Abdul Khader, a practicing advocate involved in the protest, called for strict legal measures to deter such violence. “Only the Advocate Protection Act can put an end to these attacks. They have been increasing alarmingly in recent times, and strict punishment is necessary to instil fear in those who even think of attacking a lawyer,” he asserted.
Government’s Inaction Under Scrutiny
The legal fraternity’s growing frustration stems from the government’s lack of action despite repeated appeals. Lawyers argue that the delay in implementing the Advocate Protection Act has left them vulnerable, with their lives at constant risk. They warn that if immediate action is not taken, more lives could be jeopardized.
The protest has sparked widespread discussions about the need for stronger measures to protect those who uphold the rule of law. As the legal community stands united, the government faces mounting pressure to address their demands and ensure the safety and security of advocates across the region.