Abuse, humiliation and more; Suffering in silence

Images of a junior lawyer sitting idle with blistering scars all over their face left many speechless. Kerala was shocked by the news of a junior lawyer being brutally roughed up by her senior in Vanchiyoor Thiruvananthapuram the other day. the magnitunde of the atrocity was unfathomable for many. These are not ruffians, chain snatchers or goons, but lawyers. So the shock.

If not for victim Shyamili’s perseverance to go ahead with a complaint, the issue would not have seen the light of the day.

Earlier too there were accusations of uncouth and rogue behaviour that many junior lawyers were subjected to. Nobody batted an eyelid into their issue until the court complex witnessed brutality last day. The junior lawyers adapt to abuse, humiliation and further inhumane actions only to hang on with this profession. Shyamili even alleged how the bar association initially tried to shield Bailin, despite knowing about his brutality. Bailin is said to have been actively working for the lawyer who won the Bar Association election as secretary.

Minister P. Rajeev met the junior lawyer the other day and expressed the government’s support until the victim gets justice. Let’s hope that the government walks the talk albeit news emerging about Bailin’s proclivity towards CPM.

Initially, there were reports about the senior lawyer thrashing Shyamili with a mop stick. Shyamili denied it and said that the senior lawyer used his bare hands to almost disfigure her face. The beating marks and the scars on the face would leave anyone wondering how such injury could be wreaked simply using bare hands. The police need to ascertain the facts of the matter as part of the investigation.

Some movies in the past have shown the atrocities of senior lawyers who even make junior lawyers do household chores for meagre wages. The reel story is a reality in many courts of Kerala and many would discreetly admit to it. Junior lawyers who work under seniors for training and professional experience are not indentured servants. Senior lawyers are not entitled to any special consideration, except that they may be experienced in the profession.

Shyamili also revealed that Bailin had physically tortured her while she was five months pregnant. Shyamili said she didn’t complain back then due to personal reasons. This mute silence and the ready-to-suffer attitude are not going to help anyone. The bar of dignity needs to be maintained in every profession.

Latest: Advocated Bailin Das was arrested from Station Kadavu on Thursday night.