Gaya lawyers block road near Civil Court over police harassment allegations
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Lawyers in Gaya staged a road blockade near the Gaya Civil Court on Saturday, 19 September, alleging harassment and abusive conduct by personnel from the Civil Lines police station in connection with ongoing construction work for an advocates' chamber. The protest disrupted traffic in the area before senior officials intervened and secured a resolution.
What Triggered the Protest
According to the lawyers, the government had previously allocated land and sanctioned funds for the construction of an advocates' chamber. They stated that following a directive from the Patna High Court, office-bearers of the local Bar Association had been instructed to commence construction on the allotted land.
Bar Association office-bearer Ravindra Prasad confirmed that construction had begun in compliance with the High Court's order. He alleged that Civil Lines police personnel subsequently began interfering with the work, harassing lawyers, and reportedly using abusive language — triggering widespread resentment within the local legal fraternity.
The Road Blockade and Demands
Lawyers gathered and blocked the road near the Civil Court to register their protest against what they described as unwarranted police obstruction. They argued that since land had been duly allocated, funds sanctioned, and a court directive issued to commence construction, there was no legal basis for any interference.
The protesting advocates made two primary demands: administrative intervention to ensure the construction proceeds without hindrance, and an independent inquiry into the alleged harassment by police personnel, with appropriate action if the allegations are substantiated.
Officials Step In, Blockade Lifted
Sadar SDO Anil Kumar Raman and Civil Lines SHO Shamim Ahmed reached the site after receiving information about the protest and held discussions with the agitating lawyers. Officials reportedly assured the lawyers that their grievances would be addressed.
Following the assurance, the lawyers agreed to withdraw the blockade and traffic movement in the area returned to normal.
Broader Context
Lawyer-police tensions over administrative matters and infrastructure disputes are not uncommon across Bihar's district courts. This incident is notable because it centres on a court-sanctioned construction project, and the involvement of the Patna High Court's directive adds an institutional dimension that could prompt judicial scrutiny if grievances remain unresolved. The outcome of the promised administrative inquiry will be closely watched by the local legal community.