Shillong, Sep 7: The Meghalaya High Court has disposed of the petition relating to assault and parade of an advocate in Shillong after noting steps taken by police and Bar Council.
The division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh heard the matter on September 1.
The suo motu case was registered on a representation by the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association and Shillong Bar Association, alleging an advocate was dragged from his chamber at Keating Road by a non-state group, assaulted and paraded to Sadar Police Station while police failed to act.
The petitioners had invoked SC guidelines in Tehseen S Poonawalla vs Union of India (2018) on mob violence.
Advocate General Amit Kumar told the court that FIR was registered against non-state actors during the hearing and assured the probe will be taken to logical end with strict compliance of Poonawalla directions.
Advocate General Amit Kumar informed the court that FIR has been registered against those involved and investigation is progressing. He assured the probe will be taken to a logical end and the State will follow Poonawalla guidelines.
The court also considered affidavits filed by the HC Bar Association and Bar Council of Meghalaya.
The Bar Council informed it has installed drop boxes in its office and launched an online portal for complaints related to sexual harassment of women advocates and interns, as directed in July 31 meeting.
On allegations of sexual harassment against the advocate, the court was informed that the Shillong Bar Association has suspended him and Bar Council of Meghalaya has initiated an enquiry.
