THE case of the murder of a 12-year old housemaid Shazia and the arrest of advocate Chaudhry Naeem as a suspect has provoked an uncalled-for reaction by the lawyers' community in Lahore. The scene at the Cantt courts was one of a bedlam, where hundreds of lawyers had amassed, protesting the accused Naeem's arrest, as the police van brought him there. Strangely enough, the anger was directed against the media for allegedly initiating a vilification campaign against the lawyers. It appears to be a brazen attempt to influence the judge and the media's handling of the case. It is a great shame that the mediamen were manhandled and forcibly barred from covering the court proceedings. This is totally irresponsible behaviour and amounts to an attack on the rule of law. It is understandable that the legal fraternity has stepped forward to protect one of their colleagues, but it should not be at the cost of justice and fair play. Being lawyers, it is incumbent upon them to let the law take its course. Need anyone remind them that everyman, regardless of his status or rank, is subject to the law of the land. Their frenzy, aimed at settling the matter in an extra-judicial sort of manner, would give the impression that they are distrustful of the judiciary. At present, the community contends that the charges are false as Shazia's death was the result of her falling from the stairs. However, on the other hand, the bereaved family, which claims that she was tortured to death, has also every right to seek legitimate legal redress. Therefore it would be in the fitness of things to let the courts decide the matter. Making it a political issue and blaming the media for mudslinging would prove to be counterproductive. The legal fraternity is failing to see that this sort of conduct would considerably tarnish its image as guarantors of a fair and just society. It is quite surprising that while the lawyers claim to be upholding the rule of law, they seem unwilling to let it take its course against one of their colleagues.