AMBA warns BJPMM chief on FB post
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 06 2023:
In connection with a social media post made by BJP Minority Morcha president Atif Asker Ali of publishing the names of advocates/lawyers handling cases related to NDPS Act; All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) president Puyam Tomcha has demanded Atif to clarify on the matter at the earliest.
Addressing a press meet at AMBA office, Cheirap Court complex here on Monday, Tomcha said that it was un fortunate of Atif Asker Ali to post on his Facebook account his intention of publishing the names and photographs of the advocates who are representing the accused people in drug cases.
He also acknowledged an instance of six student bodies of the state urging the advocates in the state not to represent the people arrested in drug cases and opined that such statements could have been made due to lack of understanding of the Indian Constitution.
The AMBA president then referred to Section 303 of CrPC, which states: "Any person accused of an offence before a Criminal Court, or against whom proceedings are instituted under this Code, may of right be defended by a pleader of his choice" .
Stating that it would be wise to fully understand what one wants to comment about before speaking in reality, Tomcha said that if advocates/lawyers are not supposed to defend the cases, then there is the need to rectify the constitution.
All the advocates/lawyers in the state support the government's War on Drugs', but it is not right to deprive the right of the accused and their representations.
Thus, he urged all concerned to act only after consulting with the legal cell, while "advising" Atif Asker Ali to clarify his statements before AMBA or through social media with 7 days, provided they were made due to lack of understanding of judiciary proceedings.
Any failure to do so will invite legal action, the AMBA president cautioned.