Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, 2 Apr: The streets of Itanagar turned into a sea of black robes on Thursday as hundreds of lawyers staged a massive protest, demanding justice for a colleague who was brutally assaulted at his residence.
Led by the Gauhati High Court Itanagar Permanent Bench Bar Association (GHCIPBBA), the lawyers marched from Mithun Gate to IG Park in a powerful display of solidarity against the rising culture of intimidation and violence targeting members of the legal fraternity.
The protest was triggered by a violent attack on advocate Gegum Lollen at his home and office chamber. According to the FIR, three individuals – Likha Akash, Gora Paku and Taring Tayu – allegedly assaulted the lawyer and issued death threats. The incident is believed to have stemmed from a court case related to the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union’s election disqualification, in which Lollen was representing one of the parties.
Speaking to mediapersons, advocate Duge Soki described the attack as a direct assault on the rule of law. “An advocate must be able to represent their client without fear of being targeted at their own doorstep,” he said.
In a strong collective response, the Bar association submitted a memorandum to the state government, demanding immediate enactment of an advocates’ protection Act to safeguard lawyers and ensure their independence.
In a show of unity, the association also resolved that none of its members will represent the accused in this case. It urged the police to invoke the strictest possible charges, including attempted murder.
Although the police have registered a case and arrested at least one person, the legal community remains concerned. The association warned that failure to ensure the safety of lawyers could severely undermine the entire justice delivery system.
In a strongly worded memorandum submitted to the state government, the GHCIPBBA placed four “non-negotiable” demands to restore confidence in the justice system.
The association has demanded immediate intervention by the home department to direct the Papu Hill police station to add Section 109 BNS (attempt to murder) in Case No 18/2026. Citing graphic CCTV footage that shows the victim being choked until he lost consciousness, the association warned that any delay in adding this section would be seen as an attempt to dilute the gravity of the crime.
It also demanded transfer of investigation to an SIT, expressing complete loss of faith in the local police due to alleged lapses and possible external influence. The Bar association also called for immediate enactment of an advocates’ protection Act, urging the state government to reintroduce the Arunachal Pradesh Advocates’ Protection Bill in the next Cabinet meeting and ensure its passage in the upcoming session of the Legislative Assembly.
It further called upon the state government to direct all public prosecutors and standing counsels to strongly oppose any bail plea filed by the accused, citing the premeditated and life-threatening nature of the attack captured on camera.
The lawyers warned that failure to meet these demands could severely impact the functioning of the justice delivery system in the state.
