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Brutal Hyderabad Advocate Attack Sparks
Brutal Attack on Hyderabad Advocate Sparks Statewide Bar Boycott
Introduction
Hyderabad witnessed a shocking and deeply troubling incident when an advocate was brutally attacked while carrying out his professional duties in Gachibowli. The incident has sparked outrage within the legal community, resulting in a statewide boycott of court proceedings by bar associations across Telangana. The incident highlights rising concerns about advocate safety, judicial independence, and the need for stronger mechanisms to protect officers of the court.
Advocate Attacked in Gachibowli
The victim, Advocate T. Srikanth, who also serves as an Executive Committee (EC) member of the Kukatpally Bar Association, was allegedly attacked with sticks by a group of unidentified individuals. He sustained multiple fractures and severe injuries during the assault. The incident occurred while Srikanth was engaged in the execution of a court-issued warrant, an official legal duty that falls under his professional obligations.
Srikanth was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed fractures and other trauma-related injuries caused by the assault. His condition is said to be stable, but he is undergoing further treatment.
FIR Registered at Gachibowli Police Station
Following the incident, an FIR (First Information Report) was registered at the Gachibowli Police Station. Police have initiated an investigation, though the exact motive behind the attack remains unclear. Senior officers have assured that all angles will be investigated, including possible professional disputes or personal enmity.
Law enforcement officials stated that they are scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas and questioning local residents to identify the culprits. However, the lack of clarity regarding the reason for the assault has added to the anxiety and anger within the legal community.
Legal Community Outraged
The assault has triggered widespread condemnation from lawyers across Telangana. Advocates argue that the attack is not just an assault on one individual but a direct threat to the dignity and independence of the legal profession.
Speaking to reporters, members of the Kukatpally Bar Association expressed deep concern, emphasizing that advocates perform essential duties in upholding justice, and any violence against them undermines the judicial system.
One senior advocate remarked:
“If an advocate can be attacked in broad daylight while performing legal duties, it raises serious questions about the safety of every lawyer in the state.”
Statewide Boycott of Court Work
In response, the Federation of Bar Associations of Telangana issued a press note announcing a complete boycott of court proceedings across the state. All bar associations under the federation joined hands in solidarity, abstaining from legal work to demand immediate and strict action against the perpetrators.
The boycott is intended as a form of peaceful protest to send a strong message to authorities about the urgency of advocate protection. Legal leaders clarified that while litigants may face temporary inconvenience, such actions are necessary to safeguard the long-term interests of justice delivery.
Bar Leaders Speak Out
Prominent leaders of district bar associations have strongly condemned the incident, urging the government and police to act swiftly. The Bar Association of Hyderabad, Warangal, Karimnagar, and several other districts expressed full solidarity with Srikanth.
A spokesperson of the Telangana Federation of Bar Associations said:
“The attack on Advocate Srikanth is an attack on the entire legal fraternity. If immediate steps are not taken, it will erode public trust in the judicial system. We demand not only justice for Srikanth but also structural reforms to ensure such incidents do not recur.”
Calls for Advocate Protection Law
The incident has reignited discussions about the need for a special law to protect advocates. For years, legal associations in India have been demanding legislation similar to the Doctors’ Protection Act, which was introduced in some states to safeguard medical professionals from violence.
Lawyers argue that advocates, too, face high-risk situations while handling sensitive cases, executing warrants, or engaging with hostile parties. Without adequate protection, they remain vulnerable to threats, harassment, and physical assaults.
Several advocates have now renewed calls for the Advocates’ Protection Act, which has been pending in various states, including Telangana. They believe such a law would provide a legal framework to safeguard lawyers and deter potential attackers.
Wider Implications for Judiciary
This incident is not just about the assault on one lawyer; it also exposes deeper issues within the judicial system. If advocates are unsafe, the entire system of justice delivery becomes vulnerable. Legal experts argue that intimidation of advocates indirectly affects litigants, weakens trust in the courts, and undermines constitutional principles.
By boycotting court work, lawyers are emphasizing the message that the judicial system cannot function effectively without ensuring the safety of legal professionals.
Past Incidents of Violence Against Lawyers
This is not the first time advocates in India have faced violence. Over the years, several incidents have been reported where lawyers were assaulted, threatened, or even killed while performing their professional duties.
For instance, in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, lawyers have been attacked during court hearings. In some states, incidents of mob violence against advocates have also surfaced. These repeated cases highlight a growing threat to the independence and functioning of the legal profession.
The Gachibowli incident adds to this troubling pattern, intensifying demands for strong state intervention.
Voices of Support from Judiciary and Public
Several retired judges and members of the judiciary have expressed concern over the attack. They emphasized that advocates are officers of the court and play a vital role in ensuring justice. Attacks on them should be treated with the same seriousness as attacks on judicial officers.
Public sentiment has also been largely supportive of the legal community. Citizens on social media platforms have expressed shock and condemned the assault, calling for the culprits to be brought to justice swiftly.
Government Response Expected
As the incident gains statewide attention, pressure is mounting on the Telangana state government to respond with urgency. Lawyers are demanding not only immediate arrests but also long-term policies to enhance security for advocates.
The Home Department of Telangana is expected to release a statement soon. If action is delayed, legal experts warn that protests could escalate further, potentially paralyzing the functioning of courts across the state.
Conclusion
The brutal assault on Advocate T. Srikanth in Hyderabad’s Gachibowli has triggered a wave of anger and concern across Telangana. With the legal community uniting in solidarity through a statewide boycott, the incident has brought the issue of advocate safety into sharp focus.
While police have initiated investigations, the demand for a special law to protect advocates is growing stronger. For the legal fraternity, this is not just about one attack—it is about safeguarding the integrity, independence, and dignity of the entire judicial system.
As the state awaits further developments, the incident serves as a grim reminder that justice cannot be delivered if those who uphold it remain unsafe.
