Court directs registration of PIL, calls for SOPs on police treatment of advocates, strict enforcement against police interference in civil disputes, and review of Advocates Protection Act following recent murders and assaults of lawyers
In a significant suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) initiated on November 3, 2026, the Karnataka High Court has addressed the alarming rise in violence, assaults, threats, and murders targeting advocates in the state. The Bench comprising Mr. D.K. Singh and H. Shanthi Bhushan, JJ., took cognizance of representations made by the Advocates Association, Bengaluru, and Karnataka State Bar Council, highlighting the growing insecurity faced by members of the legal fraternity while discharging their professional duties.
The Court noted disturbing incidents, including the recent brutal murders of Advocates Sriram V. and Manjunath, along with an attempted murder of Senior Advocate Venkataramanappa Sannakki. These incidents have created a climate of fear and apprehension among lawyers, undermining their ability to represent clients fearlessly and effectively. The Court underscored that advocates are officers of the Court and indispensable partners in the administration of justice, and any attack upon them affects the independence of the Bar and the justice delivery system as a whole.
Beyond the physical attacks, the High Court also took note of complaints regarding police misconduct, particularly the treatment of advocates at police stations. The advocates reported lack of respect and professional courtesy when approaching police authorities, often being denied basic amenities such as seating and facing arrogant behavior from police staff. The Court emphasized the necessity for a uniform Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate police interaction with advocates, ensuring due respect and minimum professional courtesy without conferring any undue privileges.
Another critical issue flagged before the Court was the unlawful practice of police stations functioning as parallel courts by entertaining and attempting to settle civil disputes related to property, possession, and contractual matters. The Court reaffirmed that police personnel must act strictly within the limits of their statutory jurisdiction and avoid adjudicating civil rights or resolving civil claims. It called for the strict implementation of existing instructions and SOPs prohibiting such interference and mandated disciplinary action against officers violating these mandates.
The Court directed the State Government to examine the adequacy of the existing Advocates Protection Act in safeguarding advocates against threats, assaults, and intimidation. It called for legislative and administrative measures to strengthen the statutory framework, including provisions for stringent non-bailable offenses punishable with at least ten years imprisonment. The High Court further instructed police authorities to establish a robust mechanism, supervised by senior officers, to receive and promptly investigate complaints lodged by advocates against police misconduct, ensuring accountability and timely redressal.
In its order, the Court mandated the registration of a suo motu PIL and arrayed the State of Karnataka, the Director General and Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police, the Bar Council of India, Karnataka State Bar Council, and the Advocates Association, Bengaluru as respondents. The State is required to submit status reports detailing the investigation progress in every case involving the murder of an advocate, including FIR details, arrests, evidence collection, filing of charge sheets, and reasons for any delays.
The High Court set the next hearing for December 8, 2026, underscoring the urgency and public importance of the matter. The Court's proactive intervention reflects a commitment to uphold the dignity, safety, and professional independence of advocates, essential pillars of the justice delivery system.
Bottom Line:
Suo motu PIL initiated by High Court on issue of safety, security, dignity and professional independence of Advocates - Court held that attacks on Advocates affect independence of Bar and administration of justice - Directed registration of PIL, called for SOPs regarding treatment of Advocates in police stations, enforcement of instructions against police interference in civil disputes, examination of strengthening Advocates Protection Act, and status reports in murder cases of Advocates.
Statutory provision(s):
Advocates Protection Act (Karnataka), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relating to police conduct.
Suo Moto v. State of Karnataka, (Karnataka)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 3011054
