Lawyer's Custodial Torture: Punjab & Haryana High Court Bar Association Condemns Alleged Police Inaction, To Abstain From Work Tomorrow

The Punjab & Haryana High Court Bar Association has written to the Chief Minister seeking the suspension of the SSP of District Muktsar Sahib for allegedly not lodging an FIR against erring police officers in the case of alleged custodial violence and sexual assault against a lawyer, despite the CJM's order passed on Saturday.

The letter further alleged that rather than taking appropriate action against the concerned officers, the victim-lawyer was being pressurised to withdraw his complaint and even his family members were being threatened on that account.

The Association said,

"...inspite of the fact that the Ld. CJM, Muktsar Sahib has ordered registration of the FIR against the erring police official, the SHO, Police Station, Sadar, Sri Muktsar Sahib has yet not registered the FIR, rather the victim is being threatened and pressurized to withdraw the complaint/ application at the behest of SSP Sri Muktsar Sahib."

The Association further highlighted that upholding the safety and security of lawyers was essential for them to carry out their professional duties without fear. The letter also found the incident as affecting not just the life and liberty of an individual but also 'attacking the justice delivery system'. 

It also sought transfer of investigation out of the Muktsar Sahib district "to ensure justice."

In a further development, the Bar Association has declared no work day tomorrow i.e. on September 26 in solidarity with the lawyer.

Click here to read/download the letter