The Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association (KHCAA) has taken significant steps towards advocating for the immediate implementation of the Lawyers Protection Act in the state. This initiative follows a shocking attack on the elderly parents of two lawyers, reportedly carried out by a litigant retaliating against the lawyers for representing his wife in a legal matter.
An urgent General Body meeting was convened by the KHCAA on August 14 at 1:05 PM. The primary agenda was to address the recent violent incident and strategize on measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. The association resolved to actively pursue the enactment of the Lawyers Protection Act, which they deem crucial for safeguarding legal professionals.
To further this cause, the KHCAA has planned a joint meeting involving the Presidents and Secretaries of Bar Associations across Kerala. This collaborative effort aims to galvanize support and expedite the legislative process required for enacting the proposed Lawyers Protection Act. Additionally, the Executive Committee of KHCAA has been entrusted with forming a five-member committee dedicated to drafting the proposed legislation, engaging with government officials, and coordinating with legal bodies across the state.
The association strongly condemned the attack on the advocates’ family, assuring them of unwavering support. In a statement, the KHCAA emphasized the necessity for advocates to perform their duties independently and fearlessly without the looming threat of violence or intimidation.
The alarming incident took place on the evening of August 13 at the residence of the lawyers’ parents in Ernakulam. According to reports, two men forcibly entered the home at approximately 5:30 PM. They inquired about the lawyers who had represented the wife of one of the men in a domestic dispute, during which she secured police protection and a restraining order against her husband. Armed with knives, the assailants threatened the lives of the lawyers and their parents. When confronted by the 79-year-old mother, they dragged the 80-year-old father outside, where they attempted to slit his throat and inflicted multiple stab wounds.
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The mother managed to file a complaint while receiving medical treatment, whereas her husband remains in critical condition. The Ernakulam Rural Police, operating from the Njarakkal Police Station, has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the attackers. The charges include Section 109(1) for attempted murder, Section 118(1) for voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons, Section 351(3) for aggravated criminal intimidation, Section 333 for house trespass after preparation for assault, and Section 3(5) for criminal acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
