Advocates accuse the administration of harassment and vow to continue protesting until the senior lawyer is freed
Team Clarion
SAMBHAL – Lawyers in this Uttar Pradesh town have launched a fierce protest against the arrest of Zafar Ali, head of the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee and a senior advocate. The lawyers boycotted court proceedings and staged marches to demand his immediate release.
The advocates allege that Ali’s arrest—linked to charges of conspiracy in the November 24 violence—was unjust and part of a broader pattern of harassment against his family.
On Tuesday (April 1), lawyers marched through the city, condemning the police for “acting incorrectly” and issuing notices to Ali’s relatives under legal sections 135 and 126.
Protesting lawyer Mohammad Islam claimed, “Zafar Ali’s brothers have been targeted. This protest is against their harassment. Why are lawyers being treated this way?” Demonstrations have spread from court premises to schools, with advocates refusing to resume work until Ali’s release.
Shakeel Ahmed, another protesting advocate, stated, “Our senior colleague was wrongly arrested and jailed. The entire bar has decided: no lawyer will enter court until Zafar is out.” He accused the administration of deliberately targeting Ali’s family, adding, “Notices have been slapped on his brothers and nephews. It seems their goal is to harass the entire household.”
Ahmed warned that the protest could escalate, saying, “Strikes are already happening across many districts. Now, following the Bar Council’s orders, a massive boycott may unfold statewide.”
Ali was arrested in connection with last year’s riots and sent to jail after a court hearing. Lawyers argue the case is politically motivated, with the administration yet to respond to their allegations.
As tensions rise, Sambhal’s legal fraternity remains defiant. “We don’t know how long this will last,” Ahmed said, “but we won’t back down until justice is served.”
