Himachal lawyers outraged over Congress MLA Bhawani Pathania’s remarks on drug menace, demand apology

MANDI: Members of the Mandi Bar Association and lawyers across Himachal Pradesh have strongly condemned Fatehpur (Kangra) Congress MLA Bhawani Singh Pathania for his controversial remarks made during a recent debate on the drug menace in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly.

The legal community has termed his statements as “irresponsible and insulting”, demanding an immediate apology. They argue that his comments undermined the legal profession and showed a complete disregard for constitutional principles.

Mandi Bar Association president Dinesh Saklani said, “It is absolutely incorrect to say that lawyers protect drug traffickers. Every citizen, regardless of the charges against them, has the fundamental right to legal representation until proven guilty. The MLA’s remarks insult the entire legal fraternity and the judicial system.”

The association further warned Bhawani Pathania against making such accusations, challenging him to repeat his remarks outside the Assembly if he believed in them.

“If he has the courage, let him say this beyond the protection of legislative immunity and be ready for the legal consequences,” the association stated.

Uproar across various districts of Himachal

During a debate in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on the growing drug problem, Bhawani Pathania claimed that some lawyers were shielding drug traffickers and preventing justice from being served.

He suggested that advocates representing such accused individuals should be scrutinised under the law. His statement implied that the legal profession was being misused to protect criminals involved in the drug trade.

Pathania’s remarks have triggered widespread backlash across the state. Bar associations from various districts, including Kangra, Shimla and Una, have joined the protest, accusing the MLA of demeaning the entire legal profession.

Munish Sood