Group of advocates against pleading for burglary accused

A group of advocates in the city today decided not to plead in court for those accused in chain or bag snatching, burglary, vehicle lifting or any such crimes.
The decision was reportedly triggered by "victimisation of many advocates in such incidents" in the recent past.
"Some advocates have informed us about this decision. We have endorsed their decision and also called upon other advocates to do so. But it would be a voluntary decision of any advocate," said President of the Rajasthan High Court Advocates' Association Ranjeet Joshi.
One of the advocates, Manish Vyas, termed the decision as their "moral responsibility" and said they would now "contribute to control such crimes in the city and help police nab and prosecute the accused for these crimes."

Rajesh Panwar, a member of the Bar Council, however, said the decision is "unethical and in contravention of professional ethics of an advocate".
"It (the decision) would infringe upon the legal rights of an accused," he said.