Lawyers Refuse To Take Up Youth’s Case Arrested For Cheering Pakistan’s Win Over India In Champions Trophy Final
Jun 25, 2017 at 5:19 PM
Lawyers in Laksar, Roorkee, have unanimously decided not to represent a youth in the court who was arrested on Friday (June 23) for congratulating the Pakistan cricket team on winning the ICC Champions Trophy.
The cricket-obsessed Indian fans were in a terrible state after the Men in Blue’s humiliating 180-run loss against bitter rivals Pakistan in the summit clash. India had entered the final as the firm favourites to lift the trophy but the Men in Green put up an inspired display to stun their illustrious opponents and win their maiden Champions Trophy.
However, there were some people in the country who looked quite happy with Pakistan’s historic win and the Laskar youth was one of that handful of people. As per media reports, the youth identified as Shadab Hasan had written a congratulatory message for the Pakistani team on his Facebook account which forced Mohit Verma, a member of the local traders’ association, to lodge a police complaint. The miscreant was arrested by local police under Section 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups) of the Indian Penal Code.
“Shadab Hasan’s act was anti-national, therefore all the lawyers in the town have decided that they will not appear on his behalf in court,” said Laksar Advocates’ Association president Swatantra Kumar.
“Since his act damages the respect and reputation of India, we will not appear for him in the court,” added Kumar.
The arrest, meanwhile, has put Shabad’s relatives not only in a state of panic but has also left them fearing for the worst. The relatives are scared that Shadab might get attacked after getting out of the jail.
“There is fear of him going to jail for a long time if nobody fights his case,” said his cousin. “There is also danger outside as volunteers of a Hindu right-wing group have strongly condemned his actions. He may be attacked.”
“In the absence of a private pleader, we will urge the court for a public prosecutor. But, unfortunately, we are not in hurry for his bail, because we fear he may be attacked after his release. We will try for his bail after Eid when the dust is settled. I hope good sense will prevail upon our people by then,” said his uncle.
Navin Chandra Semwal, the inspector at Laksar police station, hailed the lawyers’ decision of not appearing in the court.
“The accused is a graduate and of sound mind, who runs a business. Thus, what he had done was a deliberate action. The decision of lawyers is certainly a welcome move,” the police official said.