The Kerala High Court has constituted a committee to frame comprehensive guidelines aimed at improving the relationship between lawyers and police officers in the state.

A bench comprising Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and PM Manoj passed the order in a suo motu case initiated last year after an advocate was allegedly assaulted by police officials within court premises in Alappuzha—an incident that triggered widespread protests and court boycotts by over 15 bar associations.

The newly formed committee includes:

• K Gopalakrishna Kurup, Advocate General of Kerala

• TA Shaji, Director General of Prosecution

• Santhosh Mathew and S Sreekumar, Senior Advocates

• Yeshwanth Shenoy, President of the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association

The panel has been tasked with reviewing a report submitted by the State Police Chief on existing policies governing interactions between police and legal professionals within court premises. It will also propose measures to improve relations between the two communities across the State.

Noting the recurring tensions between police officers and members of the legal fraternity, the Court emphasized the need for clear and enforceable guidelines for police conduct while dealing with lawyers, judges, and court staff.

The matter is scheduled to be heard again in two weeks.