PIL in Delhi High Court seeks action against police officers for threats to use AK-47 against lawyers

A lawyer has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition before the Delhi High Court alleging threats, intimidation and public vilification of lawyers by serving Delhi Police personnel. 

The petition, filed by Karan Bir Singh, has sought safeguards for lawyers.

The plea comes in the backdrop of the November 2 police protest led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Manasvi Vashishta against lawyers.

As per the plea, one policeman issued a public threat that an AK-47 rifle would be used against advocates.

“The Petitioner submits that the reported suspension of Respondent No. 4 [ACP Vashishta] does not adequately address the wider constitutional issues arising from the alleged conduct, particularly the continued circulation of threatening videos, the absence of appropriate action against other concerned officials and the need to safeguard advocates from unlawful intimidation while discharging their professional duties,” the plea filed through advocate Vikrant Dabas states. 

It further contends that videos circulating on social media show Vashistha making threatening and derogatory remarks, including that five advocates entering a police station would constitute an unlawful assembly and could be detained. 

Referring to the November 2 demonstration by serving police personnel outside Delhi Police Headquarters, the petition says the same warrants examination under the Police Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act, 1966. 

The petition has sought removal of allegedly threatening and derogatory videos from social media platforms and protection for lawyers. 

It also demands criminal and departmental action against Vashishta and other police personnel who made the threats.