In an unprecedented event, the bar association at the metropolitan court accepted Rs 1 lakh as a donation from 2 accused persons, who have applied for bail amid stiff resistance from advocates in connection with their alleged assault on a lawyer last month.

In this case, Shamshad Pathan — Lawyer & city president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) — was attacked & injured by a group of people after he intervened in a fight at the Sunday Gurjari market on the riverfront on March 6. Pathan was rushed to the hospital for treatment after being hit by a baseball bat & a shovel. Faizu Baba and one of his associates were arrested for the alleged assault.

As the accused applied for bail, the members of the Ahmedabad Criminal Court’s Bar Association began opposing the proceedings. Amid stiff resistance, a proposal was made for the accused to shell out an amount towards reparation for their assault on a practising Advocate & a certain amount be deposited with the bar association.

Fearing that the members of the bar won't permit smooth proceedings on their bail plea, the accused agreed to deposit Rs 1 lakh with the bar association & paid the amount on Thursday. The hearing on the bail pleas will now take place on Friday. The accused have been charged with Section 324 of the Indian Penal Code for causing hurt with dangerous weapon.

The bar association’s president, Bharat Shah, said that such an incident has taken place for the first time in its history. According to him, such pressure may work as a deterrent as attacks on lawyers are increasing these days. Advocate Pathan said that the bar association’s accepting the amount towards donation is a welcome move & he called for the need to enact & implement the Advocates Protection Act.