Karnataka High Court Stays Proceedings Against Chikkamangaluru Bar Association Lawyers Accused Of Obstructing Policeman, Snatching His Phone
The Karnataka High Court on Monday stayed criminal proceedings initiated against four advocates of the Chikkamangaluru Bar Association who had been booked for allegedly stopping a police officer from performing his duties and snatching his mobile phone when he went to record the statement of an advocate who was allegedly assaulted by the police. Senior Advocate Vivek Subba Reddy, appearing...
The Karnataka High Court on Monday stayed criminal proceedings initiated against four advocates of the Chikkamangaluru Bar Association who had been booked for allegedly stopping a police officer from performing his duties and snatching his mobile phone when he went to record the statement of an advocate who was allegedly assaulted by the police.
Senior Advocate Vivek Subba Reddy, appearing for the petitioners Sujendra D B and others, argued that except omnibus and general allegations, there was no specific allegation as to which of the petitioners snatched the mobile phones of the complainant.
Further, he said the alleged incident had taken place on 30.11.2023 and the FIR was lodged on 3.12.2023 without offering any plausible explanation.
Notably, last week the High Court acting on a representation made by the Advocates Association of Bengaluru, initiated a suo-moto petition regarding the incident of an advocate being assaulted by policemen in Chikamanagaluru district.
On that occasion, the court had orally remarked “this is not a happy thing. If there is an attack on a lawyer it does not send a good signal about maintenance of law and order. This is not a happy thing to happen to say the least." It added, “These things would happen in Uganda during Idi Amin's period. If this happens to lawyers then it is a threat to the rule of law.”
On hearing the petitioner at the present hearing, the bench issued notice to the respondents and granted interim relief of stay till the next date of hearing.
It has now posted the matter for further hearing on December 19.
Case Title: Sujendra D B and Others AND State of Karnataka
Case No; Criminal Petition No. 12524 of 2023.
Appearance: Senior Advocate Vivek Subba Reddy for advocate Girish B Baladare