The Bar Council of Kerala on Wednesday decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings against bar advocate Beyline Das who has been accused of assaulting a junior woman lawyer in his chamber in Vanchiyoor.

He has been barred from appearing before any court, tribunal or authority pending disciplinary proceedings against him. The Council has also decided to issue a show cause notice to him.

The action comes against the backdrop of Beyline’s suspension from the Thiruvananthapuram Bar Association. A preliminary report sent to the Bar Council recommended further disciplinary action including the removal of his name from the State roll.

Meanwhile, the accused who has been charged under various provisions, including Section 74 (assault or criminal force to a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty), a non-bailable offence, of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, remains on the run for the second day on the trot.

Law Minister P. Rajeeve, who extended his support to the complainant after visiting her, urged the Bar Council to initiate action against the action for professional misconduct.

Addressing mediapersons, Mr. Rajeeve said the unprecedented incident is a matter of grave concern. He said the police are actively pursuing the case, but the accused remains at large. The investigators have been unable to track him down as his phone has been switched off and no further leads have been found.

Referring to the complainant’s allegation that certain office-bearers of the Thiruvananthapuram Bar Association obstructed the police from apprehending the accused, Mr. Rajeeve said anyone who aids a criminal in evading justice should face legal consequences.

“The lawyers’ fraternity, when confronted with cases of arrest, often forms a defence to protect their colleagues. However, in the case of an assault on a lawyer, especially a female lawyer, the legal community must stand with the victim, and not the accused,” he said.

The Minister added that the State government has received petitions to introduce legislation to ensure protection for lawyers. The proposed law, similar to those in other States, would help to safeguard lawyers from attacks and harassment.

He also stressed on the need for internal complaints committees to be set up under the purview of the Bar Council to address concerns regarding the safety of lawyers.