The Karnataka High Court initiated a PIL to probe rising violence against advocates, directing the state to submit a report on threats, assaults, and safeguards for legal professionals.
High Court Acts on Threats to Legal Fraternity
Responding to representations from the Advocates Association, Bengaluru, and the Karnataka State Bar Council, a Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court—Justices DK Singh and H Shanthi Bhushan—initiated a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) into systemic violence against lawyers across the state. Incidents include assaults, threats, and murders linked to professional duties.
The Court directed the registry to formalise the matter and sought a detailed report from the State government on steps taken to protect legal practitioners. It acknowledged the deteriorating safety environment, especially in criminal courts, where advocates face intimidation from litigants and organised groups.
This proactive intervention may catalyse new protection protocols for advocates. Litigation involving sensitive criminal cases may now attract enhanced security measures, and State accountability mechanisms could evolve under this judicial oversight.
