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A section of advocates staged a demonstration in front of Madurai District Court Complex on Wednesday, condemning the attack on People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) national general secretary V. Suresh at a public hearing held in Tirunelveli. On November 2, Arappor Iyakkam had organised a public hearing in Tirunelveli to discuss the impact of indiscriminate quarrying on the environment and the livelihood of the villagers in the area. Following the attack on Human Rights activist and advocate Suresh during the hearing, the public hearing was suspended. Condemning the attack on Mr. Suresh, the advocates urged the State government to enact the Advocates Protection Act to safeguard the legal fraternity from violence and intimidation. They said appropriate action should be taken against those who were responsible for the attack on Mr. Suresh. The attacks on advocates had increased, they added. The advocates also demanded necessary action against the illegal quarries operating in the area. They said the attack was carried out to silence those who were protesting against the illegal quarries. The government should take necessary action in this regard, they said. Over 50 advocates participated in the demonstration. They held placards and raised slogans condemning the incident. R. Murali, advocate A. John Vincent of the PUCL and others were present.
