Lawyers up in arms against new criminal laws in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: The legal fraternity in Bengaluru staged a protest against the three new criminal laws that came into effect across India.
Accoridng to Kashmir Media Service, the protest was held in front of the City Civil Courts, with three prominent lawyer groups – the Indian Association of Lawyers, the All India Lawyers Association for Justice, and the All India Lawyers Union – participating in the demonstration.
The lawyers expressed their strong opposition to the new laws, terming them “black laws” that aim to alter the Indian Constitution. Advocate Sharath stated, “These laws are a direct attempt to introduce elements of Sanskrit and Manusmriti, reverting to archaic practices that go against humanity.”
The protesters highlighted the drastic changes in detention periods under the new laws, which allow for detention up to 90 days without bail. Advocate Akmal Pasha noted, “This extended custody period goes against the spirit of our Constitution.”
The lawyers argued that the new legislation could lead to a police state, targeting rights activists who raise their voices against atrocities on minorities, Dalits, tribals, laborers, and farmers. Advocate Sharath added, “It’s an attempt to suppress democratic voices.”
The lawyers termed the laws “undemocratic and unconstitutional,” stating that they represent a conspiracy to dismantle the basic structure of the Constitution. Advocate Maitrikrishnan noted, “The extension of police custody could lead to torture, and the public display of accused individuals undermines the presumption of innocence.”
The legal community criticized the central government’s lack of consultation with stakeholders, including bar councils and lawyers’ organizations, before amending these laws. Advocate Krishnan stated, “These amendments were made without any input from those directly affected.”
Muralidhar, the national general secretary of the Indian Association of Lawyers, accused the current government of authoritarian tendencies. “Under Modi’s leadership, company laws and labor laws have been altered. Now, these criminal laws have been implemented in haste to prevent any opposition,” he remarked.
The lawyers emphasized the importance of federalism, stating that the New Delhi government should have consulted the states before implementing the laws. Muralidhar noted, “Ignoring them weakens our federal system.”
The protest highlights significant concerns about the potential impact of the new laws on India’s democratic fabric and human rights.
