Bar body protests against statutory protection

Members of the Indian Bar Association (IAL) staged a protest outside the District Court in Visakhapatnam on Friday, demanding immediate passage of the Andhra Pradesh Advocates Protection Act.

Protesters said the demand for legal protection had remained pending for more than two decades and alleged that successive governments had failed to fulfill promises made during election campaigns. They argued that the absence of such legislation made it increasingly risky for defense lawyers to take on high-profile cases involving hoodlums and political leaders.

Advocates have also argued that cases of lawyers being assaulted or killed in public have created an atmosphere of fear in the legal fraternity, discouraging them from representing vulnerable groups. They said the lack of legal protection encourages lawless elements and encourages illegal activities.

About 100 advocates, including about 30 women, took part in the protest, which was led by IAL president K. Suresh Kumar and Palak coordinator Sreerama Murthy.

Mr. Murthy said the memorandum has been submitted to the District Collector for further transmission to the Chief Justice of India, the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court and the Union and State Ministers for Law and Human Rights. Advocates have said that legal protections are necessary to allow lawyers to carry out their duties without fear and to ensure access to justice for ordinary citizens.

Published – 03 Jul 2026 23:02 IST