'We seek protection too': Lawyers in Sopore stage pen-down strike demanding protection bill

July 29, 2025 by News Desk

Shabir Khan

Lawyers in Sopore observed a complete pen-down strike on Tuesday, halting all legal work for the day in protest against what they described as the growing insecurity faced by legal professionals across India.

The protest, held inside the court complex, was aimed at drawing attention to the increasing number of violent attacks and threats against advocates.

Speaking to The Kashmiriyat, the lawyers said the situation has become so serious that many are now afraid to take up certain cases.

“Every other day we hear about a lawyer being beaten, threatened, or humiliated somewhere in the country. We are not just professionals; we are essential to the justice system. If we are unsafe, the entire system is at risk,” said Advocate Faisal Anim, the Sopore Bar Association.

The lawyers expressed deep frustration that a draft bill aimed at their protection, the Advocates Protection Bill, was prepared in 2021 by the Bar Council of India and submitted to the Union Law Ministry, but remains unpassed.

“It’s been years, and the government has done nothing. What is the delay? Are they waiting for more of us to be killed?” asked Advocate Irshad Yousuf, who joined the protest carrying a placard that read: ‘Lawyers Need Protection Too.’

The proposed bill includes provisions for punishing those who assault or threaten lawyers with up to ten years in prison, ensuring free medical care for injured advocates, and creating dedicated police units to investigate such incidents.

It also proposes compensation for victims and fast-track trials. Protesters said that without such safeguards, lawyers remain vulnerable, particularly those handling sensitive or controversial cases.

“Lawyers often take up causes that are not popular, that involve powerful people or institutions. We do it because we believe in justice. But the cost we pay is high; we are harassed, threatened, sometimes attacked. And the system is silent,” said Advocate Snobar Jan, who was part of the protest gathering.