Protest Against Deve Gowda Turns Ugly

Bangalore, Feb 9 (DHNS): Karnataka State Bar Council’s (KSBC) rally against JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda, took an ugly turn when another group of advocates tried to prevent the protest by snatching away the red bands here on Monday. 

The incident began in the morning when the bar council members including senior counsel Jaykumar Patil started distributing the red bands as a mark of protest. At this juncture, over a dozen other advocates objected to the protest, demanding that nobody should wear the band.

They said the Bar association has taken a decision not to support the protest and demanded that the protesters drop the idea.

However, the protesters struck to their decision to display the band and argued with the other group. Heated arguments ensued and the group, claiming to be advocates from lower court, snatched away the bands meant for distribution.
“We do not even know who they are. They claim themselves to be advocates from Magistrate Court. They have snatched away over thousand ribbons meant for distributing,” said Shivraj Bellakki, an advocate.

However, things cooled down with the arrival of Registrar Vigilance, who directed the police to ensure peace. The High Court Police was put on high alert after the incident.
Meanwhile, protests were held in various parts of the State against Deve Gowda’s remarks against the Advocate General Ashok Harnalli.

Sandeep Patil, a Bangalore-based advocate said there has been boycott and protests in courts in other districts and smaller towns and taluk headquarters. “Hundreds of individuals have sent ‘Get Well Soon’ greeting cards to Devegowda. It will continue for some time,” he said.