SC Bar Association Seeks CJI’s Intervention Over Detention of Lawyers During Protest

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on October 10 sought the urgent intervention of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant over the reported detention of advocates who were peacefully protesting within the Supreme Court premises. The association alleged that excessive force had been used against the lawyers, particularly women advocates.

In a statement, the SCBA urged the Chief Justice to take up the matter with the concerned authorities and ensure the safety and whereabouts of every detained advocate. It also requested that the lawyers be provided access to legal assistance and that those detained without lawful grounds be released immediately.

SCBA Secretary Pragya Baghel informed The Indian Express that all the detained advocates had subsequently been released.

The association said it had received information about the detention of several lawyers and stressed the need for prompt intervention to safeguard their liberty and ensure compliance with legal procedures.

Lawyers’ Association for Constitution Condemns Reported Detentions

The Lawyers’ Association for Constitution (LAFC) also condemned the reported detention of senior and young advocates, including women lawyers and its members, who had gathered peacefully in the Supreme Court area.

In its press release, the association called upon the Chief Justice to intervene with the concerned authorities to protect the safety and liberty of the detained advocates.

The LAFC emphasised that lawyers retain their constitutional freedoms while speaking in defence of democratic institutions. It maintained that any restriction on peaceful assembly must have a clear legal basis, be necessary and proportionate, and respect human dignity.

The association further expressed concern that detaining advocates without promptly informing them of the grounds and location of detention, or providing access to legal assistance, could undermine fundamental constitutional and statutory safeguards.

The developments have brought renewed attention to the protection of peaceful assembly, personal liberty and access to legal assistance. Both associations called for the authorities to ensure that legal procedures and constitutional protections are respected when dealing with lawyers participating in peaceful protests.