Tripura Bar Association expresses satisfaction after meeting Chief Secretary JK Sinha over Sabroom SDM controversy. Administration agrees to withdraw SDM from present posting following allegations of public humiliation of a senior advocate, easing tensions across the legal fraternity.
Members of the Tripura Bar Association on Tuesday expressed satisfaction after a crucial meeting with Chief Secretary JK Sinha, stating that most of their key demands had been accepted in connection with the alleged public humiliation of a senior advocate by the Sabroom Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).
The controversy arose after senior advocate Ratan Nath of the Sabroom Bar Association was allegedly subjected to public humiliation by SDM Abhijit Singha Yadav, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who had taken charge of the post barely a month ago. The incident triggered widespread resentment among members of the legal fraternity across Tripura, prompting strong reactions and protest measures.
According to sources within the Bar, advocate Ratan Nath had gone to the SDM’s chamber in connection with a hearing of his client under Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (earlier Section 107 of the Criminal Procedure Code). During the course of the interaction, the SDM allegedly lost his temper when the advocate introduced himself. The officer is accused of using abusive language and ordering the advocate to leave the chamber, stating that his presence was not required.
The incident was perceived as a serious breach of professional decorum and an affront to the dignity of the legal profession. The Sabroom Bar Association took strong exception to the SDM’s conduct and announced a cease-work protest. The issue quickly gained traction across the state, with the Tripura Bar Association demanding immediate withdrawal of the officer from his present posting.
A delegation of the Tripura Bar Association met Chief Secretary JK Sinha on Tuesday evening at the Civil Secretariat, seeking administrative intervention to resolve the escalating standoff between the legal fraternity and the local administration.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, senior advocate Pijush Biswas said the Chief Secretary acknowledged that the incident reflected a lapse on the part of the SDM. “The official who misbehaved with the advocate is a newcomer. He has been posted in Sabroom for only about a month. During the discussion, the Chief Secretary admitted that the incident was a mistake,” Biswas stated.
He further said that the Chief Secretary assured the delegation that the District Magistrate would step in to address the misunderstandings between the lawyers and the local administration. Importantly, the Chief Secretary also agreed to withdraw the SDM from his present posting, which had been the Bar’s primary demand.
“The delegation is satisfied with the outcome of the meeting. We had earlier planned a statewide protest, but in view of the assurances given by the administration, there is no need to intensify the movement,” Biswas added.
Echoing similar views, advocate Arindam Bhattacharjee said the Chief Secretary admitted that the officer in question lacked adequate administrative experience. “We were assured that the District Magistrate has been entrusted with convening a mediation meeting where both the SDM and members of the Bar will be present. Under the supervision of the District Magistrate, the entire issue will be amicably resolved,” he said.
According to Bar sources, the mediation meeting is expected to be held within the next couple of days. The legal fraternity hopes that the intervention will restore mutual respect between the judiciary and the executive at the local level.
| Also Read: Tripura Bar Association slams SDM over Advocate Misconduct Allegations |
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of institutional sensitivity, especially in interactions between administrative officers and members of the legal profession. Lawyers across Tripura have reiterated that while administrative authority must be respected, professional dignity and constitutional values cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
