The Bar Council of India (BCI) demanded a Special Investigation Team probe into the murder of advocate Pitabas Panda in Odisha, calling it a serious assault on the independence of the legal profession. The BCI emphasized the urgent need for a time-bound investigation, comprehensive witness protection, and enhanced security measures for lawyers across the State.
Advocate Pitabas Panda, a member of the Odisha State Bar Council, was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne assailants on October 6 near his residence in Berhampur, Odisha. Media reports noted that Panda was also affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Following the incident, outrage among the legal fraternity led to calls for stringent action to ensure the safety and dignity of advocates.
The BCI condemned the killing and urged the Odisha government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a senior IPS officer unconnected with the local police station. It demanded that all perpetrators, conspirators, and facilitators be swiftly apprehended, with custodial interrogation conducted where necessary. The Bar Council further stressed that any lapses in preventive action, beat intelligence, or local police response should be immediately investigated, and errant officials placed under suspension pending inquiry.
The BCI termed the murder “a direct attack on athe rule of law and the independence of the legal profession” and highlighted that the incident reflects systemic vulnerabilities threatening the legal community. The Council called for the appointment of a Special Public Prosecutor of recognized competence, filing of the charge-sheet within statutory timelines, and trial under a designated court on an expedited schedule. It also emphasized comprehensive witness protection under the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018, including secure transport, relocation where necessary, and confidentiality of identities.
The BCI demanded installation or repair of CCTV coverage in Court premises and Bar offices, issuance of statewide security advisories, and establishment of a dedicated helpline for advocate-related threats. Additionally, it urged rapid risk audits for Bar leaders facing intimidation, liaison meetings between Superintendents of Police and local Bar Associations, ex gratia compensation to the family of the deceased lawyer, and consideration for compassionate appointments for next of kin.
The BCI urged the Odisha government to act swiftly on these measures, reiterating that the safety, dignity, and protection of lawyers are non-negotiable. The body reaffirmed that such incidents must be addressed promptly to safeguard the legal fraternity and uphold the rule of law in the State and across the Republic.
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