Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh – The legal fraternity in Sambhal has erupted in protest following the arrest of Zafar Ali, senior advocate and president of the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee. Lawyers have boycotted court proceedings and staged demonstrations, demanding his immediate release.
Ali was arrested in connection with allegations of conspiracy related to the November 24 violence, a charge that his colleagues strongly contest. Advocates claim that the case is politically motivated and part of a pattern of harassment against his family.
On April 1, a large group of lawyers took to the streets, condemning the police and accusing them of unjustly issuing legal notices to Ali’s relatives under sections 135 and 126. Protesting lawyer Mohammad Islam stated, “Zafar Ali’s brothers have been unfairly targeted. This is a clear case of harassment.”
The protests have escalated beyond the court premises, spreading to other public spaces. Advocates have vowed not to return to work until Ali is released. Shakeel Ahmed, another lawyer, stated, “Our senior colleague has been wrongly jailed, and no lawyer will enter court until he is freed.”
Ahmed also warned that the protest could expand statewide, with several districts already witnessing legal strikes. He added that the Bar Council might call for a complete boycott of court proceedings if the authorities do not address their demands.
Meanwhile, the administration has remained silent on the matter, even as tensions continue to rise. The legal community in Sambhal remains steadfast in its demand for justice.
