Shimla: High Court Lawyers Block Secretariat Road Over Alleged Police Misconduct
Shravan Dogra, lawyer, Himachal High Court and former Advocate General
Shimla, April 21 – Tensions flared in the Himachal Pradesh capital on Monday as lawyers associated with the Himachal High Court gheraoed the Chotta Shimla police station and blocked the road outside the state secretariat, causing significant traffic disruption across the city.
The protest was sparked by an incident that took place on April 12 at Navbahar Chowk in Shimla, where an altercation occurred between police constable Raman Thakur and advocate Pranav Sharma. A video of the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the policeman grabbing the advocate by the collar and slapping him. The footage triggered public outrage and led to widespread condemnation.
Earlier in the day, the High Court Bar Association held a General House meeting and unanimously decided to stage a protest against what they termed as “police high-handedness and assault on a legal professional.” Following the meeting, a large number of lawyers marched to Chotta Shimla police station and staged a road blockade outside the secretariat.
The controversy deepened after police registered an FIR against the lawyer, which the Bar Association strongly opposed. Lawyers accused the police of displaying bias in the matter, arguing that instead of initiating action against the erring officer, the authorities took steps against the advocate.
“If the protectors of justice are being manhandled like this, what hope does the common man have?” one protesting lawyer asked, adding that the incident reflects a concerning erosion of trust between law enforcement and the legal fraternity.
According to the police complaint filed by constable Raman Thakur, the incident began when a driver created a traffic jam and allegedly assaulted him, tearing the buttons off his uniform. However, advocate Pranav Sharma contends that it was the constable who stopped his vehicle without cause, misbehaved with him, and physically assaulted him.
The police have registered cross FIRs in the case. The constable’s complaint includes charges under Sections 132, 121(1), and 352 of the Indian Penal Code, while the advocate’s complaint has been filed under Sections 126(2), 115(2), and 352.
The Bar Association has called for a fair investigation and appropriate action against those responsible, warning that the legal community may escalate protests if their concerns are not addressed swiftly.
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