Lawyers detained during protest against election chief; bar bodies seek Supreme Court intervention

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) have urged Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to intervene over the detention of lawyers during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 10. In separate representations, the bodies reported that senior advocates, women lawyers, and young advocates were detained while peacefully demonstrating near the Supreme Court premises.

SCAORA has filed a writ petition seeking an independent, time-bound inquiry into the alleged illegal detention and manhandling by Delhi Police. The petition states that detained advocates were taken to the Yamuna Sports Complex in Surajmal Vihar and identifies Advocates-on-Record Pyoli and Shashank Raj Singh among those held.

“The legal framework of this country will break down if lawyers are prevented from aiding citizens in the exercise of their Fundamental Rights.”

Video footage cited in the petition shows Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat being carried away by his arms and legs, his shirt torn during the incident. The plea also alleges that women advocates, including Anna Oomen and Anne Mathew, were manhandled by police personnel not displaying name tags, and that one advocate suffered a dislocated shoulder.

The NLSIU Alumni Association condemned the police action as "arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional," citing reports of more than 10,000 detentions nationwide on October 10. The association highlighted Farasat's detention while he attempted to prevent the illegal detention of another protester, warning that preventing lawyers from aiding citizens undermines the legal framework.

The bar bodies have requested the Chief Justice to ascertain the safety and whereabouts of all detained advocates, ensure access to legal assistance, and secure the immediate release of those held without lawful grounds. SCAORA's petition further seeks directions to identify the police personnel involved and preserve evidence.