Lawyers’ Statewide Court Boycott Draws Massive Response; Advocates Demand Stronger Protection
Advocates across Karnataka unite in protest against attacks on lawyers; demand stronger legal safeguards and effective implementation of the Advocates Protection Act
BENGALURU, November 3: Demonstrating unprecedented unity and collective determination, advocates across Karnataka participated in the statewide court boycott on Tuesday, November 3, in a strong protest against the growing attacks on members of the legal fraternity. The protest witnessed a large response from lawyers, with advocates abstaining from court proceedings to demand stronger security measures and effective legal protection.
The statewide protest was organised at the call of the Advocates’ Association, Bengaluru, following a series of disturbing incidents involving attacks on advocates, including the brutal murders of advocate Sri Manjunath Sriram in Whitefield and advocate Sri Manjunath of Annapoorneshwari Nagar, along with the alleged attempt to murder advocate Sri Venkatramana Sannaki of Gauribidanur.
The incidents triggered widespread concern within the legal fraternity, prompting advocates to unite and raise their voices against the growing threats to their safety while discharging professional responsibilities.
The large-scale participation in the court boycott reflected the collective anguish and determination of advocates, who called for concrete legislative measures rather than mere assurances. The protesting legal fraternity reiterated that lawyers must be able to perform their professional duties without fear, intimidation or threats to their lives.
A key demand of the protest was the strengthening of the existing Advocates Protection Act through robust legislative provisions, ensuring adequate security, swift action against perpetrators and effective mechanisms to prevent attacks on members of the legal profession.
The Advocates’ Association, Bengaluru, had unanimously resolved to abstain from court work during its General Body Meeting held on October 29, 2026. It subsequently appealed to advocates’ associations across Karnataka to extend their support and participate in the statewide agitation.
Association President Vivek Subba Reddy, General Secretary H.V. Praveen Gowda, Vice-President Girish Kumar C.S. and Treasurer Shwetha Ravishankar were among the office-bearers who spearheaded the initiative and reiterated the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the legal community.
The protest sent a strong message that attacks on advocates cannot be treated as isolated incidents or ignored. Ensuring the safety and security of lawyers is fundamental to protecting the independence of the legal profession and maintaining public confidence in the justice delivery system.
The advocates stressed that their demand was not merely for the protection of an individual profession but for the preservation of the rule of law, where every lawyer can discharge professional duties without fear.
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