Now, Rajasthan lawyers say won’t defend blast accused

The order was passed on Wednesday following an extraordinary executive meeting, and representatives stated that they would convene another if an advocate broke the diktat.

The Rajasthan Bar Association’s decision follows a similar one in UP. Several lawyers were beaten up there for representing Terror suspects in violation of Bar Association directives.

Rajasthan HC Bar Association president Madhav Mitra stated the decision to boycott the terror accused was “unanimous”. “None of the members of the bar association will represent those accused in the Jaipur serial blasts case. We will contemplate action against anybody who goes against the directive,” Mitra said. Asked about the ethics of such a decision, Mitra said: “There were no ethics involved when the blasts killed 68 innocent victims on May 13. We will not defend even our own advocates if they become suspects in the blasts investigation.”

Giving the example of Uttar Pradesh, he said several terror suspects were released after the police claimed they were guilty. Kavita Srivastava, of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties, called the Bar Association directive unconstitutional and undemocratic.

“Even before a trial or a chargesheet, the association has taken a stand on certain persons. How can they be sure that all those picked up by the police are guilty?” he asked.