'Approach BCI', SC Tells Petitioner Who Sought Directions To Improve Safety Of Advocates

Just a month after the first woman President of Uttar Pradesh Bar Council Darwesh Yadav was killed in the Agra civil court complex, a PIL came for hearing before the Supreme Court seeking direction to Bar Council of India (BCI) to frame gender neutrality safety guidelines for lawyers.

The bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi on Monday refused to entertain the plea but asked the petitioner to file the representation before the BCI for consideration of the issue.

Appearing for petitioner NGO Art of Learning Foundation, Advocate Kadambari, assisted by Advocate Mansi Sinha, argued that the lawyers consume excessive alcohol in their chambers and in into various illegal activities.

There are several instances of rape murder have been reported. There should be installation of CCTV cameras, the petitioner counsel argued.

While refusing to hear the PIL, CJI asked the petitioner to file the representation before BCI and let it consider the issue.

In the plea, the petitioner cited several instances of murder, rape and other scuffles including that of Yadav's killing in the court premises by another lawyer in June this year.

It sought BCI to make measures for safety of lawyers not only in the court premises but also the chamber blocks.

Further, the plea sought for direction to BCI to amend the BCI Act to entertain the complaints and representations of third gender.

In addition, it asked for implementation of Vishakha guidelines to protect women from sexual harassment.