The Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh has formally demanded a high-level magisterial inquiry into recent incidents of alleged police misconduct and harassment against advocates in Banaras. In a letter dated September 18, 2025, addressed to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Paresh Mishra, Member and Former Chairman of the Bar Council, called for the immediate implementation of the Advocate Protection Act and warned of a major statewide agitation if the demands are not met.
The letter condemns the actions of the police in Banaras as “extremely serious, condemnable, and contrary to the dignity of the justice system.” It asserts that the repeated misbehaviour by police officials constitutes a “direct attack on the freedom and respect of advocates,” who play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law.
Citing a pattern of harassment, the Bar Council pointed to previous incidents in Prayagraj and Hapur, where advocates were allegedly subjected to misbehaviour, assault, and harassment by the police. The letter states that these recurring events have fostered a “deepening sense of insecurity and anger” among the legal fraternity across the state.
In its representation to the government, the Bar Council has laid out five specific demands:
- A high-level magisterial inquiry into the Banaras incident.
- Strict punitive action to be taken against the police officers and personnel found responsible.
- The implementation of concrete measures to safeguard the dignity, respect, and safety of advocates.
- The prompt enactment of the Advocate Protection Act in Uttar Pradesh to legally ensure the security of lawyers.
- The issuance of clear and strict guidelines to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
The letter concludes with a stern warning, stating, “If immediate and concrete action is not taken on these demands, the entire advocate community will be forced to launch a major statewide agitation.” While urging the Chief Minister to act with sensitivity, the Council has made it clear that the legal community is prepared for a large-scale protest to secure its rights and ensure justice.
