Tripura Bar Association protests alleged SDM misconduct with senior advocate, demands apology, removal, and investigation, warns of statewide agitation if justice is denied.
The Tripura Bar Association on Monday strongly condemned the alleged mistreatment of a senior advocate by Sabroom Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Abhijit Singh Yadav, triggering widespread outrage among members of the legal fraternity across the state.
According to the association, the incident occurred on January 7 when senior advocate Ratan Debnath, a member of the Sabroom Bar Association, visited the SDM’s chamber to carry out his professional duties. During the interaction, SDM Yadav allegedly subjected the senior advocate to verbal abuse and unprofessional conduct, raising serious concerns over the dignity and safety of legal professionals.
Reacting sharply to the incident, the Tripura Bar Association convened an urgent general meeting at 2 pm on Monday. The meeting witnessed the participation of nearly 350 lawyers, including senior advocates from different parts of the state. Speakers at the meeting unanimously expressed deep resentment and described the alleged behaviour of the SDM as unacceptable, unlawful, and damaging to the mutual respect required between the judiciary and the executive.
The association reiterated its longstanding role as the apex body overseeing bar associations from Sabroom to Dharmanagar. Although the state now has 16 independent bar associations, the Tripura Bar Association stressed that the legal fraternity remains united when it comes to protecting the dignity and rights of advocates.
Following the meeting, the agitating lawyers announced a series of steps to address the issue. A delegation of the Tripura Bar Association will submit a formal representation to the Chief Secretary on Tuesday. The representation will include a three-day ultimatum demanding a public apology from SDM Abhijit Singh Yadav at the Sabroom Bar Association premises, his immediate removal from the post of Sabroom SDM, and a fair investigation into the FIR reportedly registered against him at the Sabroom police station.
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In addition, a special team of senior advocates will visit the Sabroom court within the next three to four days to meet local lawyers and assure them of full cooperation in pursuing an impartial inquiry into the matter.
The association further warned that failure to meet their demands would result in intensified statewide protests. The lawyers also stated that they would approach the Law Minister and the Chief Minister of Tripura, seeking direct intervention to ensure accountability and uphold the dignity of the legal profession.
