The streets of Itanagar turned into a sea of black robes on Thursday as hundreds of lawyers staged a massive protest, demanding justice for a colleague who was brutally assaulted at his residence.
Led by the Gauhati High Court Itanagar Permanent Bench Bar Association (GHCIPBBA), the lawyers marched from Mithun Gate to IG Park in a powerful display of solidarity against the rising culture of intimidation and violence targeting members of the legal fraternity.
The protest was triggered by a violent attack on advocate Gegum Lollen at his home and office chamber. According to the FIR, three individuals – Likha Akash, Gora Paku and Taring Tayu – allegedly assaulted the lawyer and issued death threats. The incident is believed to have stemmed from a court case related to the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union’s election disqualification, in which Lollen was representing one of the parties.
Speaking to mediapersons, advocate Duge Soki described the attack as a direct assault on the rule of law. “An advocate must be able to represent their client without fear of being targeted at their own doorstep,” he said.
In a strong collective response, the Bar association submitted a memorandum to the state government, demanding immediate enactment of an advocates’ protection Act to safeguard lawyers and ensure their independence.
In a show of unity, the association also resolved that none of its members will represent the accused in this case. It urged the police to invoke the strictest possible charges, including attempted murder.
Although the police have registered a case and arrested at least one person, the legal community remains concerned. The association warned that failure to ensure the safety of lawyers could severely undermine the entire justice delivery system.
In a strongly worded memorandum submitted to the state government, the GHCIPBBA placed four “non-negotiable” demands to restore confidence in the justice system.
