Supreme Court bar bodies approach CJI over detention of lawyers in Delhi
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) on Saturday approached Chief Justice of India Surya Kant over the detention of lawyers during a protest in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising concerns about their safety and the alleged use of excessive force.
In separate communications, the two bodies urged the CJI to intervene with the authorities, establish the whereabouts of every detained advocate, ensure access to legal assistance and secure the release of those held without lawful grounds.
The SCBA condemned the reported detention of lawyers peacefully demonstrating in the Supreme Court area. Its resolution called for an inquiry into the circumstances of the detentions and alleged use of force, followed by appropriate legal action. The resolution was signed by Honorary Secretary Pragya Baghel.
SCAORA, in an urgent letter petition, flagged reports that senior and junior advocates, women lawyers and Advocates-on-Record had been detained outside the Supreme Court premises. It also alleged that some police officers involved were not displaying their identification badges.
Citing Article 19 of the Constitution, SCAORA emphasised that peaceful assembly and the expression of grievances were fundamental rights subject to lawful restrictions. It sought the immediate disclosure of detained lawyers’ locations, access to their families and legal assistance, and safeguards against disproportionate police action.
The association also called for an examination of the detentions, accountability for any unlawful conduct and protection against interference with lawyers’ professional duties, including the provision of legal aid.
Later, SCBA President Pradeep Kumar Rai said the detained lawyers had been released following the CJI’s intervention and thanked Surya Kant for directing their immediate release.
Rai said he had spoken to Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma, who stated that, according to the information available to him, no lawyer had been detained. The officer had assured him that anyone found in custody would be released immediately once their details were provided.
While saying that all lawyers had reportedly been freed, Rai asked that details of anyone still detained be shared promptly. He also urged authorities to prevent similar incidents and respect lawyers’ dignity, safety and professional independence, stressing that they must be able to perform their duties without fear or intimidation.
With IANS inputs