Chikkamagaluru
Former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai has called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intervene and resolve the ongoing conflict between district police and advocates in Chikkamagaluru. Bommai described the situation as ‘dangerous’ and expressed concern over the breakdown of law and order in the state. Bommai accused the government and officials of losing control over the home department, citing the ongoing clash between advocates and police following the alleged assault on a lawyer by local police. He warned of potential anarchy if corrective measures were not taken promptly and urged Siddaramaiah to create an atmosphere where everyone respects the law. In response to the conflict, the Karnataka High Court issued an interim stay on complaints lodged against advocates by the police department in three cases. Advocates, including Chikkamagaluru Bar Council district president Sudhakar, faced accusations of assaulting policemen and obstructing duty. The advocates had contested the filing of cases in the high court, and the stay orders were celebrated by them. The conflict originated when the police questioned and allegedly attacked an advocate for not wearing a helmet while riding a bike. Subsequently, advocates staged a protest in front of the police station in Chikkamagaluru. Six policemen, including a PSI, were suspended in connection with the incident. The sensitivity of the matter prompted the state government to hand over the case to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). As tensions persist, advocates have warned of a statewide protest by 40,000 lawyers if serious action is not taken against the police.
