Advocate attacked in court premises

In a shocking incident, a senior lawyer lodged a police complaint against two advocates, who allegedly attacked him in the court premises on Thursday.

According to information, senior lawyer Ashit Mehta, 64, who was in the forefront in last week's strike by lawyers, was allegedly attacked by advocates Prahlad Chaudhary and Valji Patel. The incident took place around 3 pm in the court building at Athwalines.

Witnesses said that Mehta was entering the lawyers' room, when the two advocates, who were sitting outside, called him. Mehta went towards them believing they wanted to speak, but instead they started fighting with him. The two lawyers allegedly abused Mehta accusing him of making representation against them before the high court, and then started attacking him. The beating continued for two-three minutes, before other lawyers interrupted.

A large number of lawyers gathered at the scene, even as Mehta went to Umra police station and lodged a complaint against the duo. The senior lawyer suffered swelling in his eyes due to the attack.

"I am shocked by the incident. They were accusing me of speaking against them before the HC, something I haven't done. The two lawyers are of the same age as my sons," Mehta said.

The two advocates accused of attacking Mehta could not be reached.  Meanwhile, the Surat District Bar Association president, Madansinh Atodaria, condemned the incident.