The mass detentions and alleged manhandling of demonstrators by the Delhi Police in the national capital has prompted several bar associations across the country to organise solidarity events, demand inquiries into the police action and announce demonstrations of their own.
At the Delhi High Court, lawyers have called for a collective reading of the Preamble to the Constitution at 1:30 PM on Monday, October 12, on the lawns outside the Court's main building. The reading will be followed by informal discussions in groups.
The invitation is open not only to advocates but also to interns, clerks, court staff, canteen workers, drivers and anyone else who wishes to participate.
The Gujarat High Court Advocates Association (GHCAA) will convene an extraordinary general body meeting at 1:50 PM on Monday to pass a resolution condemning the alleged physical assault of advocates who were participating in a peaceful protest near the Supreme Court.
GHCAA President Yatin Oza announced the meeting in a message to members, calling on the association to take a formal stand on the incident.
In Bengaluru too, lawyers have announced a protest at Gate No. 1 of the Karnataka High Court at 1 PM on Tuesday, October 13, against the arrest of lawyers and students who demonstrated in Delhi while demanding the suspension of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association had, on Saturday, issued a statement strongly criticising the police action against advocates in Delhi.
The Association, led by President Rohit Sud, described the use of force against peaceful and unarmed advocates as an affront to the dignity of the legal profession and constitutional values. It called for a fair and impartial inquiry into the incident and appropriate action against officials found responsible.
It also said that the independence of the Bar and the right to peaceful protest must be respected and protected.
On October 10, Delhi Police detained several lawyers and other protesters amid a security clampdown ahead of a planned demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protest was called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and other groups, which demanded Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Delhi Police had denied permission for the planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar, citing security concerns and the timing of the application, which was submitted on October 7 against a prescribed 10-day notice period.
Police subsequently detained protesters at several locations across the capital.
Among those detained were several advocates who had gathered near the Supreme Court. Lawyers also alleged that they were physically dragged and that a copy of the Constitution's Preamble they were carrying was torn.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) subsequently sought Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's intervention, following which the detained lawyers were released.
On Sunday, the Supreme Court held a special sitting and issued directions concerning the restrictions imposed in Delhi amid the protests. It directed authorities to ensure that lawyers, journalists and other professionals were not prevented from performing their duties. The Court also addressed restrictions on public transport, internet services and movement in the capital.
Separately, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) moved the Supreme Court on Monday seeking an independent, impartial and time-bound inquiry into the alleged illegal detention and manhandling of advocates. It sought preservation of evidence, including CCTV footage and police recordings, and action against officials found responsible.
The developments have prompted renewed calls from members of the legal fraternity to protect advocates' rights and ensure accountability for the alleged police action.