The All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) has warned Manipur BJP Minority Cell president MK Aatif Asker Ali of legal action if he fails to clarify within seven days regarding the post he uploaded in social media that could mislead the fraternity.
AMBA president P Tomcha Meetei said that on February 2, state president of BJP minority cell, MK Aatif Asker Ali, and another person, identified as Subhash Waikhom, uploaded a post along with a photograph of an advocate and “VAKALATNAMA” with a caption that the cell will flash names of advocates who defend drug-related case of a culprit.
He said the statement in social media could be taken as a challenge to the advocate fraternity.
Tomcha said under the Indian Constitution Article 22(1) and CrPC 303, any person can hire an advocate to defend a case. If the advocates are not allowed to defend a case, then it could be taken as violation of the Constitution, he added.
He further said that under the Indian Constitution, the advocates are given the rights to defend a case under different sections. Before uploading such “VAKALATNAMA”, Asker should consult with the legal cell of the BJP, he said.
Similar incident had occurred in December 2022 where six student bodies stated through media that no advocate should defend any drug related case for a culprit, he said.
AMBA general secretary Maisnam Johnny Meitei said no action will be taken against Asker for now.
He, however, appealed to student bodies, CSOs or any political parties to consult with legal cell or experts before giving any sort of opinion if the issue is related to court proceedings.
