How to stop the conflict between police and lawyers? uniform and black coat

There are frequent reports from different parts of the country of clashes, assaults between policemen and lawyers and stalling of court work, which is a matter of great concern for a healthy and civilized democracy. The two most important wheels of the justice system are – on one side, there is the ‘uniform’ of the police who handle the security and law and order of the citizens, and on the other side, there is the ‘black coat’ of the lawyers who advocate for justice. When both these classes cross their boundaries and come face to face, not only the general public suffers but the dignity of the entire justice system also gets compromised. These conflicts, which occur every day from police stations to court premises, are no longer limited to any one city or court, but are taking the form of a national problem, which has become extremely important to be controlled in time.

Legal experts and senior officials believe that the main reason for the increasing tension between police and lawyers is the huge lack of mutual communication and lack of respect for each other’s workplace. Many times, during the investigation of cases, the attitude of the police officers becomes aggressive in the name of investigation, while the lawyers believe that the police is interfering in the judicial process and their rights. A minor altercation, a traffic challan, a parking dispute or a small argument during the appearance of an accused can quickly take the form of a major movement, strike or violent conflict. After the intervention of judges and bar associations in the courts, the matter calms down, but such incidents are repeated again and again, which proves that no permanent and effective communication mechanism has been developed between the two parties.

To find a solution to this serious problem, it is important that the police force and the members of the Bar Association understand their respective moral and constitutional responsibilities. Policemen should keep in mind that they are bound to work within the ambit of law and they do not have the right to misbehave with any citizen or advocate. On the other hand, lawyers will also have to introspect that the court complex is a temple of law and protecting justice is as big a responsibility of them as of the judiciary. Stopping court work in the name of protest or strike and putting common clients in trouble cannot be justified under any circumstances.

There is a need to take concrete steps at the highest level to put an end to this bitter conflict between police and lawyers forever. At each District Court and Police Commissionerate level, a Joint Coordination Committee should be formed which includes senior judges, police officers and representatives of Bar Associations so that if any dispute arises, it can be resolved immediately through talks. Additionally, lessons on ethics, humane behavior and professional decorum should be made mandatory in training programs for policemen and young lawyers. Unless both the ‘uniform’ and ‘black coat’ classes leave their ego and adopt the spirit of mutual cooperation, the common people cannot get freedom from this unwanted conflict.