Karnataka HC initiates suo-motu petition on police assault on advocate

Bengaluru: The High Court of Karnataka on Friday took up a suo motu PIL petition in the case pertaining to the alleged assault on an advocate by the Chikkmagaluru town police.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit directed the state government to submit a further status report by December 5 regarding the investigation conducted into the case.

The victim, one Preetham, was stopped by the police on Thursday night for riding without wearing a helmet. When he questioned the police for taking the keys, he was allegedly taken to the police station and assaulted. On Friday, the court took up the matter for an urgent hearing by treating the representation submitted by Advocates’ Association of Bengaluru (AAB).

“It is appalling, we used to hear about such incidents during Idi Amin’s period in Uganda,” Justice Krishna Dixit orally said. “If this happens to lawyers, what about the common man? The object of wearing a helmet is protection. If they are going to break the head, what is the use of wearing a helmet?“ Justice Dixit further said.

FIR registered

During the hearing, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty informed the court that six police personnel, including one PSI, one ASI and four police constables, have been suspended. The AG further said that an FIR has been registered against the policemen for offences under sections 506 (criminal intimidation, 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (assault) and added that the investigation is being supervised by the Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Meanwhile, Vivek Subbareddy, the AAB president, who joined the proceedings through video conference from Chikkamagaluru, submitted that except for the registration of FIR, police have not taken any other step, including arresting the culprits. He said that the victim was thrashed with hockey sticks in a computer room where there was no CCTV. At the hearing, one of the advocates even prayed to the court to refer the matter to a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Prompt action taken

However, the Chief Justice said that the AG has taken the matter seriously and prompt action has been taken, including suspension of erring officers and entrusting the investigation to a DySP.

The Chief Justice also said that the AG has assured the court that all necessary legal actions will be taken and if needed, the culprits will be arrested.

The Chief Justice also requested the Chikkamagaluru advocates to resume work. “Please don’t stand on streets, Do not abstain. Go to courts and perform your duties. Lawyers’ place is not on the streets, but before the court,” he said.