The Kerala High Court has initiated a suo motu case to address increasing instances of police violence against lawyers in the State.
This action follows an alleged incident in which police officers attacked an advocate, Gopakumar Pandavath, within the premises of the Ramankary Magistrate Court in Alappuzha on September 9. The lawyer was hospitalized after the assault, and while hospital authorities notified the police, no officer reportedly visited him. Instead, Pandavath was allegedly contacted only by the station house officer of Pulicunnu police station via phone.
A day after the incident, the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association (KHCAA) wrote to Acting Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque, urging appropriate action. This letter was also presented to a Division Bench comprising Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Syam Kumar VM, who emphasized the gravity of the matter, especially since it occurred within court premises. The Bench expressed concern over the rising trend of lawyers being assaulted by police officers, leading them to direct the initiation of the suo motu case with the Chief Justice’s approval.
The court intends to issue guidelines to ensure that police interactions with lawyers, judges, and court staff across Kerala are conducted respectfully. Meanwhile, the Alappuzha Bar Association is preparing to file an official complaint, and the KHCAA’s executive body convened to discuss the matter.
In the letter submitted to the court, the KHCAA highlighted that over 15 bar associations across Kerala are protesting or boycotting courts in response to the incident, though the KHCAA itself will not boycott work, in line with its recent stance on strikes. The letter also criticized the lack of immediate action from judges at the Ramankary Court complex or the Alappuzha Principal District Court.
Tensions between lawyers and the police in Kerala have been escalating. Recently, a police officer was convicted under the Contempt of Courts Act for using abusive language towards an advocate, with the court warning all police personnel about the repercussions of disrespecting legal professionals.
The High Court is also hearing a plea filed by the KHCAA, seeking the establishment of a fast-track system to adjudicate complaints against police officers who engage in misconduct against lawyers.
