New Delhi (India), April 2, 2023: In a show of solidarity, lawyers in Delhi have decided to abstain from work in all district courts tomorrow, following the murder of fellow advocate Virender Kumar Narwal.
The New Delhi Bar Association has called for the complete shutdown of courts, with no bail or stay hearings taking place. The move comes after Narwal was shot dead by two assailants on a motorcycle in Dwarka on Saturday.
According to the police, the attack was the result of a 36-year-old enmity between Narwal’s family and one of the assailants, Pradeep. Narwal had also been involved in legal disputes over land compensation that Pradeep was expecting, leading to financial difficulties for the professional wrestler. Pradeep had attempted to kill Narwal in 2017, but the lawyer managed to escape.
The brazen attack has led to widespread outrage among the legal fraternity, which is calling for better protection for lawyers and their families. The North Delhi Lawyers Association has been demanding the implementation of the Advocates Protection Act, which would provide greater protection for lawyers and their professional duties. Rajasthan is the only state to have tabled the bill in the state Assembly.
The killing of Narwal highlights the rising incidents of threats and violent acts against advocates, with lawyers calling on the police to prioritize their security. The decision to abstain from work is intended to bring attention to the issue and spur action to better protect lawyers and their families.