POONCH: The Bar Association Poonch on Tuesday staged a protest in support of the Additional Sessions Judge, Poonch, alleging serious misconduct by police personnel and a failure to provide the judicial officer with the requisite security and protocol.
According to the Bar Association, the incident occurred near Kallar when the judicial officer was travelling towards Poonch. The vehicle was allegedly stopped by a PSI, who, according to the lawyers, removed its key and behaved in a disrespectful and inappropriate manner. When questioned, the PSI allegedly stated that he was acting on instructions received from higher authorities.
The vehicle was subsequently searched, an action which the protesting lawyers described as disrespectful and unbecoming towards a serving judicial officer.
The Bar Association also raised serious questions over the alleged failure to provide the Additional Sessions Judge with the required security and protocol, demanding that the circumstances leading to the lapse be thoroughly investigated.
The protesting lawyers demanded immediate suspension and strict departmental action against the SSP Poonch, the concerned SHO and the PSI allegedly involved, besides a fair, impartial and time-bound inquiry into the entire episode.
Describing the matter as an affront to the dignity and independence of the judiciary, the Bar Association said the protest would continue until effective action is taken against those found responsible.