The Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to take suo motu cognisance of alleged threats made by Delhi Police officer Manasvi Vashishta against lawyers.
Vashishta was seen on video making remarks against lawyers and warning "goon in black coats" of serious repercussions.
A Division Bench of acting Chief Justice (ACJ) Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma asked lawyers to file a formal petition and assured that the issue will be looked into.
A group of lawyers had mentioned the matter before the acting Chief Justice.
Lawyers told the Court that remarks like the use of AK47 and "Kaale coat ke Gunde (goons in black coats)" were used against lawyers.
"You [Acting Chief Justice] are our chief. If you take suo motu cognisance we will be assured," the lawyers told the Bench today.
However, the Court asked the lawyers to file a formal petition and assured them that the Court will direct its listing and look into it.
"You file a formal petition. We will look into it. We will order its listing. Give a copy to the Standing Counsel (Criminal) Sanjay Lao. I assure you that we will look into it. You give representation, but also file a formal petition," the court told the lawyers.
The dispute between ACP Manasvi Vashishta and Delhi lawyers began after advocate Lalit Bansal suffered a serious head injury during an alleged assault on October 23.
Lawyers subsequently visited Shahdara police station, alleging that Vashishta and the Station House Officer (SHO) had assured them that the accused would be arrested but later released them.
When advocates returned to question the police action, Vashishta allegedly brandished his revolver and threatened them. The incident triggered an indefinite strike by district court lawyers, who demanded action against the officers.
Vashishta and SHO Arun Kumar were transferred on October 28, following which lawyers called off their strike.
Further controversy erupted on November 2 when ACP Vashishtha and Delhi Police personnel protested outside police headquarters against the transfers. During the demonstration, certain remarks were also made about the lawyers.
Vashishta has now been suspended by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).