Advocates' Associations Across Mumbai Abstain From Work After Lawyer Allegedly Assaulted By Police, Demands Passing Of Advocate’s Protection Act

The associations have sought action against API Hemant Gite who is said to have assaulted Advocate Prithviraj Jhala on March 14, 2023.

While Gite was subsequently transferred out of the police station, Jhala has written to the State Human Rights Commission seeking an investigation against the officer for “wrongful restraint,” “assault” and “criminal intimidation” under section 341, 323 324 and 506(II) of the IPC.

Jhala visited the police station on his client’s request after she and her friend met with a road accident and sought his services for the bail procedure. After the assault, Jhala narrated the incident to an officer bearer of the Bar Court Committee, all of whom gathered at the police station.

Despite the Senior Police Inspector’s intervention, Gite refused to give a written apology. “This clearly proves the entire police station was supporting the said officer,” Jhala wrote in his complaint to the HRC.

The associations that participated in the protest include the Borivali Bar Association, Bombay City civil and Sessions Court Bar Association, Bandra Bar Association, Kurla Bar Association, Dadar Bar Association, Andheri Bar Association, Vasai Bar Association, Mazgoan Bar Association, Esplanade Bar Association, Thane and Navi Mumbai Bar Associations.

In fact Members of Bombay city civil and sessions court Fort Mumbai and All India Federation of Advocates and Associations (AIFAA) held a peaceful demonstration against the continued attacks on advocates.

Additionally, a signature campaign was held for the passing of the Advocates Protection Act, which saw many advocates sign the petition both offline and online.

“The advocates gathered peacefully to voice their concerns and demand better protection for themselves and their colleagues in the legal profession. The attacks on advocates have been ongoing since many years, and it is essential that the government takes measures to ensure their safety and security,” Adv Ravi Prakash Jadhav, President of AIFAA told Live Law.

Advocates hope that this protest will bring attention to the issue and encourage the authorities to take action to protect the legal community.