BANGALORE: DG&IGP Shankar Bidari on Wednesday lashed out at advocates for allegedly causing severe hardship to the people in the name of protest for justice on Tuesday.
He was speaking to reporters after a meeting with higher police officials of the city and Advocates’ Association President KN Subba Reddy at the State Police Headquarters. “Causing inconvenience to public is highly intolerable. I have directed the City Police Commissioner to investigate the case and initiate strict action against those who troubled the people,” he said.
“Everybody has a right to protest, but it should not cross limits. I have strictly ordered policemen to arrest anyone who tries to stop traffic for more than ten minutes. Such cases will be dealt with iron hand and we will ensure that such incident will not repeat. Prior permission is a must before staging any protest,” he added.
“All are equal before the law and just because they know law, lawyers should not be under the impression that they can do anything. Even they should think wisely and not cause trouble to the public. They should understand how physically challenged, patients, elders, women and children suffered due to their protest,” he said.
Referring to suspension of constable Arun Kumar, Bidari said that he had asked Mirji to take appropriate decision about it after a preliminary enquiry.
Earlier in the meeting, City Police Commissioner B G Jyothiprakash Mirji submitted a 20-page report to Bidari.
Criminal Case Against advocates
In connection with Tuesday’s protest by advocates, the Halasur Gate police have registered a criminal case against advocates. Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) T Suneel Kumar said that the police have registered cases under various sections of the IPC against advocates for unlawful assembly and restraining public. “The police are investigating the case and strict action will be taken against those who took look into their hands during the protest,” he added. The cases have been booked under IPC sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly with common object), 341 (wrongful restraint) and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty). Meanwhile, sources said that 15 criminal cases were booked against lawyers in Halasur Gate police station alone between 2009 and 2011.