The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Monday mentioned its petition before Chief Justice of India Surya Kant concerning the alleged detention of lawyers and the reported suspension of internet services during protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
SCBA President Pradeep Rai informed the Court that the Bar Association had instituted a petition raising concerns over the detention of advocates during Saturday’s demonstrations and the disruption of internet connectivity.
Responding to the submissions, the CJI emphasised that political demonstrations must not interfere with the functioning of the Supreme Court or obstruct the discharge of professional duties by members of the legal fraternity.
“We are not concerned about political parties. No impediments for court functioning should take place,” the CJI observed, reiterating that the functioning of the judicial institution must remain unaffected by political activities.
The mention comes amid concerns over the detention of several advocates by Delhi Police during demonstrations against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The protests had prompted the SCBA to seek urgent intervention from the CJI, citing concerns over the safety, dignity and professional independence of lawyers.
According to reports by The Hindustan Times and India Today, the SCBA had earlier condemned the alleged use of excessive force against advocates and sought the CJI’s intervention following reports that several lawyers, including women advocates, had been detained.
The issue also follows the Supreme Court’s special sitting on Sunday, when a Bench comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana addressed petitions concerning alleged illegal detentions, restrictions on public movement and disruption of internet services during the protests. The Bench issued directions intended to protect peaceful assembly, ensure access to courts and prevent disruption of essential public services.
The latest mention by the SCBA places the Bar Association’s concerns over lawyers’ detention and internet connectivity before the Chief Justice, with the central issue being the need to ensure that law-enforcement measures do not impede access to justice or the functioning of the courts.
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