Muktsar advocates continue work suspension over lawyer assault case, threaten protest in Tarn Taran

The District Bar Association of Muktsar has continued its indefinite work suspension, which began on Saturday, and warned that if the issue regarding the registration of a case against an advocate is not resolved within two days, its members, along with other Bar Associations in Punjab and Haryana, will hold a protest in bypoll-bound Tarn Taran.

Notably, advocate Harmandeep Singh was booked in an alleged assault incident that took place on October 29.

The Bar Association has termed it a false case and demanded the registration of an FIR against the opposite faction, the transfer of both the SSP and SP (D) of Muktsar, and the cancellation of the existing FIR.

It claimed that Harman had suffered a head injury, while his cousin sustained severe injuries to his private parts.

The advocates had also staged a strong protest on Sunday during the Chief Minister’s visit to the town by blocking a road but were not allowed to meet him.

Sources said some police personnel suffered injuries while trying to control the protesters. On the other hand, some advocates claimed that two of their colleagues also sustained injuries and the uniform of one was torn during the scuffle.

“We met the CM’s OSD and the Deputy Commissioner on Sunday. However, our demands remain unmet. We will wait for two days and then stage a protest at Tarn Taran along with other Bar Associations,” said Advocate Manjinder Brar, a senior member of the District Bar Association.

He further claimed that the Bar Associations of three other districts – Fazilka, Faridkot, and Bathinda – also suspended work on Monday in solidarity.

The Bar Council has already written to the DGP, Punjab, over the issue.

Meanwhile, SP (D) Manmeet Singh Dhillon had said, “In a clash between two groups led by Yadwinder Singh and Harmandeep Singh, both residents of Chak Attari village, at the Jawahrewala grain market on the evening of October 29, a case has been registered.

Further, a DDR entry based on Harman’s statement has been made. The investigation is underway, and the accused will be arrested soon.”

The SP on late Monday evening assured that further action would be taken as per the medico legal report and circumstances evidences.

On the other hand, Yadwinder’s family termed the advocates’ action unjustified, saying they were ready to face any inquiry.