Government stands with victim; Minister P Rajeev meets Shyamili, extends full support

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has assured its complete support to junior lawyer Shyamili, who was the victim of cruelty at the hands of senior lawyer Bailin Das. Yesterday at around 3:30 PM, Law Minister P. Rajeev met Shyamili at the Law Court Centre in front of the Vanchiyoor Court to understand the details of the incident.

He told media personnel that this was a serious incident and that the accused would be arrested soon. He added that the government would request the Bar Council to take disciplinary action against the accused. "Such incidents should never happen in our land. This is something unheard of in Kerala. The government stands with junior lawyers. We were the first in India to decide on providing a special stipend for junior lawyers," the minister said, responding in detail to questions from the media. CPM district secretary V. Joy and district committee member S.P. Deepak were also present with the minister.

Q. Wasn’t it a lawyer leader who helped the accused escape?

If anyone did assist the accused in escaping, they too would be held accountable under the law. Aiding a criminal in evading justice is also a criminal act. While there is usually some resistance when the police attempt to arrest lawyers, in a situation where a lawyer has been assaulted, the legal fraternity must unequivocally support the victim.

Q. Couldn’t the accused have been arrested on Tuesday itself?

At times, lawyers organise their own forms of protest. Even courts have intervened in such matters in the past. But when a lawyer becomes the victim of an assault like this, it is only natural that everyone forgets everything else and takes a firm stand with the victim. Anything else must be viewed as wrong.

Q. Weren’t there previous complaints against Bailin Das?

The police have now registered a case under non-bailable sections. If other complaints emerge during the investigation, they will also be considered seriously. The Bar Council must conduct a proper inquiry under the law and take appropriate action.

Q. Will the Bar Council be instructed to ensure junior lawyers can work safely?

Some states have passed laws to protect lawyers from attacks. There is a demand to pass a similar law in Kerala. The Chief Minister has already told lawyers that the government would consider taking appropriate steps after studying what other states have done. Abuse by senior lawyers towards juniors is a separate matter and must be dealt with differently.

Q. Shouldn't there be mechanisms in courts to prevent violence against women?

Internal committees exist in professional institutions and government offices. The legal community is referred to as the Bench and the Bar. Whether additional mechanisms are needed apart from existing ones is something that can be examined.