Fri Apr 11 14:43:18 UTC 2025: ## Lawyers and Students Clash in Kochi, Leading to Injuries and Accusations

**KOCHI, KERALA –** A violent clash between lawyers and students, including members of the Students Federation of India (SFI), erupted late Thursday night, April 10th, 2025, at the Ernakulam district court complex in Kochi, continuing into Friday. Both sides are trading accusations of provocation, stone-throwing, and assault.

The incident occurred during the Ernakulam Bar Association’s annual day celebrations. Students allege that lawyers threw stones and beer bottles onto the Maharaja’s College campus from the adjacent court complex. Video footage purportedly shows lawyers hurling objects near the Malayalam department. The SFI claims two students were injured.

Lawyers, however, contend that students initiated further violence by throwing stones after an emergency meeting to address the initial altercation. They staged a protest march, resulting in further heated exchanges. A significant police presence was required to separate the two groups.

The Bar Association plans to file charges against the students, including criminal trespass, attempted murder, assault, and robbery, as several lawyers reported having their mobile phones stolen. The association is also filing a separate complaint to the existing ones filed by approximately ten injured lawyers who were hospitalized.

The Bar Council of Kerala condemned the incident, expressing concerns about the safety of lawyers even on court premises and demanding preventative measures. The SFI alleges that 16 of its activists were injured and that the attacking lawyers were intoxicated. The SFI district secretary, Arjun T.R., stated that students were standing outside the court complex, not trespassing, when lawyers allegedly provoked them before the assault.

Bar Association sources counter that students misbehaved after attending the annual day dinner and dance, prompting their removal from the premises. They allege that subsequently, around 25 SFI activists trespassed, attacked members, and caused property damage. The situation remains tense, with police maintaining a presence to prevent further escalation.

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