In a high-stakes legal development on Saturday afternoon, October 10, around 50 to 60 advocates—including senior counsel and female lawyers—were detained by police personnel while demonstrating near the Supreme Court premises in central Delhi.
The detentions occurred amidst an unprecedented security blanket across the capital aimed at blocking the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) anti-CEC demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
SCBA Moves CJI Against “Arbitrary Detention”
The detention of lawyers from near their chambers and the apex court gates prompted swift action from the legal fraternity.
- SCBA Resolution & Letter: Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Honorary Secretary Pragya Baghel addressed an urgent letter to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, alleging that excessive police force was used against legal professionals protesting peacefully. The SCBA urged the CJI to ascertain the safety and whereabouts of all detained advocates and ensure immediate access to legal aid.
- SCBA President’s Statement: SCBA President Pradeep Rai publicly condemned the action around 11:30 AM, describing the detention of advocates as “deeply disturbing” and asserting that “arbitrary detention and intimidation of advocates will not be tolerated”.
CJI Directs Immediate Release of Detained Lawyers
Following the urgent representations made by the SCBA and Advocate Devvrat, President of the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA), CJI Surya Kant intervened directly with government and law enforcement authorities.
Advocate Devvrat confirmed that the Chief Justice issued clear instructions to authorities to immediately release all detained lawyers. Shortly after, SCBA President Pradeep Rai confirmed that the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), New Delhi, assured the association that all detained legal professionals were being released.
High Security Grid Surrounding Supreme Court Corridor
The security operation around the Supreme Court comes as prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain enforced across New Delhi.
Delhi Police has deployed over 300 audio-enabled CCTV cameras, multi-tiered barricading, and spike strips across central avenues to prevent gatherings linked to the CJP’s agitation against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over electoral roll revisions.
