The legal fraternity raises concerns over constitutional changes and human rights violations
Team Clarion
BENGALURU – The legal fraternity in the capital city of Karnataka is up in arms against the three criminal laws which came into effect across the country on Monday.
Three prominent lawyer groups — the Indian Association of Lawyers, the All India Lawyers Association for Justice, and the All India Lawyers Union — gathered in front of the City Civil Courts here on Monday to express their opposition.
“These three new laws are a direct attempt to alter the Indian Constitution,” said Advocate Sharath. “The BJP, through these laws, is trying to introduce elements of Sanskrit and Manusmriti, aiming to revert to archaic practices that are against the principles of humanity.”
Advocate Akmal Pasha highlighted the drastic changes in detention periods under the new laws. “Currently, the police can detain an accused for 15 days. The new laws allow for detention up to 90 days without the possibility of bail. This extended custody period is against the very spirit of our Constitution,” he stated.
The protesting lawyers argue that the new legislation could lead to the establishment of a police state. “These laws will especially target rights activists who raise their voices against atrocities on minorities, Dalits, tribals, labourers, and farmers,” Advocate Sharath added. “It’s an attempt to suppress democratic voices.”
Advocate Maitrikrishnan called the laws “undemocratic and unconstitutional,” asserting that they represent a conspiracy to dismantle the basic structure of the Constitution. “The extension of police custody could lead to torture, and the public display of accused individuals undermines the presumption of innocence,” he said.
Furthermore, Advocate Krishnan criticised the central government’s lack of consultation with stakeholders, including bar councils and lawyers’ organisations, before amending these laws. “These amendments were made without any input from those directly affected,” he noted.
Muralidhar, the national general secretary of the Indian Association of Lawyers, accused the current government of authoritarian tendencies. “Under Modi’s leadership, company laws and labour laws have been altered. Now, these criminal laws have been implemented in haste to prevent any opposition,” he remarked.
Referring to the Union Home Minister’s statement, Muralidhar emphasised the importance of federalism. “The central government should have consulted the states. Ignoring them weakens our federal system,” he said.
The legal community’s protest highlights significant concerns about the potential impact of the new laws on India’s democratic fabric and human rights.
