In a swift intervention, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Suryakant directed the release of lawyers, including women advocates, who were detained by Delhi Police while protesting against the Chief Election Commissioner outside the Supreme Court. The action followed an urgent plea by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).
SCBA President Pradeep Rai confirmed to NBT that the detained lawyers had been released after the CJI’s intervention. The lawyers, comprising both senior and junior members of the bar, were taken to the Yamuna Sports Complex following their detention.
On Saturday morning, the SCBA passed a resolution expressing serious concern over the police action. The association alleged that Delhi Police used excessive force against lawyers engaged in a peaceful protest and demanded that the CJI ensure the safety of those in custody, confirm their whereabouts, and provide them legal assistance. It further urged the immediate release of any lawyers held without a valid legal basis and called for an inquiry into the circumstances of the alleged force used by police, followed by appropriate action under the law.
Advocate Devrat, President of the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association, also apprised the CJI of the developments and confirmed that the Chief Justice had spoken to the concerned authorities for the lawyers’ release. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta is also reported to have intervened in the matter.
The lawyers were protesting against the Chief Election Commissioner and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The episode has drawn sharp attention within the legal fraternity, with the SCBA’s stand elevating the issue of detention and police conduct into a wider debate over the right to peaceful protest near the apex court.
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