Kerala High Court Initiates Suo Moto Case After Two Police Officers Attack Lawyer Inside Alleppey Court, Mulls SOP For Police Conduct

The suo moto case was initiated based on a letter submitted by the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA) to the Acting Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque seeking action against the police officers who attacked a lawyer within the premises of Ramankary Magistrate Court, Alappuzha (or Alleppey).

“The KHCAA condemns the incident and has resolved to bring attention of the Hon'ble Court to the said incident and requests this Hon'ble Court to take suo motu cognizance of the incident”, stated the letter submitted by the KHCAA.

Taking cognizance of the letter, Bench of Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Syam Kumar V M observed that instances of complaints against police officers assaulting members of the legal fraternity are increasing. Court said that such attacks taking place within court premises is rather more serious and thus observed that guidelines have to be in place to regulate the interaction between lawyers and police officers in the State.

“The Hon'ble Court is of the view that the Court should issue directions with regard to protocols/guidelines that have to be adhered to by the police officials when interacting with lawyers, judges, staff of various courts in the state.”

State of Kerala represented by the Secretary of Home Department, Director General of Police cum State Police Chief, SHO of Pullincunnu Police Station in Alappuzha and KHCAA have been impleaded as party respondents in the matter.

Case Title: Suo Motu v State of Kerala

Case Number: WPC 32952/2024