Arrest of Advocate Zafar Ali Triggers “Pen Down” Strike

The arrest of Advocate Zafar Ali,associated with the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal,Uttar Pradesh,has ignited a firestorm of protest within the legal community. Lawyers have initiated a “pen down” strike, halting their professional activities in solidarity. Demonstrations have erupted, with lawyers chanting slogans against the Sambhal Police, expressing their outrage over what they perceive as an unjust detention.

Lawyers Allege Wrongful Arrest and Lack of Due Process

Advocate Shakeel Ahmed, speaking to the media, asserted the innocence of Zafar Ali, emphasizing his seniority within the legal fraternity. ahmed stated,The police have wrongly arrested him. No FIR is lodged against him. They have been invoiced in unknown. He condemned the actions of both the management and the police, alleging a violation of due process. According to Ahmed, the entire district’s legal community stands united in support of Advocate Zafar Ali.

“If the police administration’s oppression increases like this, then the protest will come all over UP. The entire UP advocate will be with us. if the oppression will increase further, then the entire ‘Advocate of India Ekta Zindabad’ is with us.”

The legal fraternity views this arrest as an attack on their independence and a threat to the rule of law.Such actions, they argue, undermine the very foundation of justice and fair representation.

Escalating Protests and Potential Statewide Action

The legal community has warned of escalating protests if the perceived oppression by the police administration continues. They have threatened to extend their demonstrations across Uttar Pradesh, potentially involving the entire state’s legal body. The slogan Advocate of India Ekta Zindabad (Long Live the Unity of Indian Advocates) encapsulates the growing sense of solidarity and determination among lawyers.

Arrest Linked to Prior Incident of Stone Pelting and Unrest

According to SP Krishna Kumar Vishnoi, Zafar Ali’s arrest is connected to an incident that occurred on November 24, 2024. During survey work at a disputed site in Sambhal, local residents allegedly engaged in stone pelting and firing. A case was registered at the police station,and an investigation was launched. SP Vishnoi stated that Zafar Ali was taken into custody for questioning and afterward arrested under various sections, including criminal conspiracy.

The police maintain that the arrest was made based on evidence linking Zafar Ali to the unrest.However, the legal community disputes this claim, arguing that the arrest is politically motivated and lacks sufficient legal basis.

Bar Association support and Future Course of Action

Advocate Amit Utbal revealed that the president of the bar association has pledged support to Zafar Ali. Utbal emphasized the solidarity within the legal fraternity, stating that If this fight is of a lawyer family, the lawyer family stands for support across the country with solidarity. A meeting is scheduled to determine the next course of action, with Utbal assuring that any decision made will be 100 percent positive and that they will stand with Zafar Ali.

Implications for the Justice System

This incident raises serious questions about the relationship between law enforcement and the legal profession. the arrest of an advocate,particularly under disputed circumstances,can have a chilling effect on the pursuit of justice and the protection of individual rights. The ongoing protests highlight the importance of maintaining the independence of the legal profession and ensuring that all individuals are afforded due process under the law.