Lawyers across Delhi’s district courts are set to abstain from judicial work on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, following allegations of police high-handedness and intimidation. The Coordination Committee of All District Courts Bar Associations of Delhi has called for the one-day strike to protest an incident involving advocates who approached the Shahdara police station regarding an alleged assault on a fellow lawyer.
Protest Stems from Alleged Assault and Police Response
The strike was decided upon after an emergency meeting held via video conference on October 26. The legal fraternity’s grievances reportedly stem from an incident where an advocate, identified as Lalit Bansal, allegedly sustained a serious head injury following an assault. An FIR was registered at Shahdara police station concerning this incident, with advocate Amulya Ratan listed as the complainant.
Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that on the evening of October 23, several lawyers visited the Shahdara police station seeking action against those accused in the assault. According to the Coordination Committee’s account, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and the Station House Officer (SHO) assured the lawyers that the accused individuals would be arrested. However, by October 24, the lawyers reportedly learned that the accused had not been apprehended and had instead been released.
Allegations of Intimidation at Police Station
The situation escalated when lawyers returned to the police station to seek accountability for the handling of the case. During this interaction, an incident involving ACP Manasvi Vashishta allegedly occurred. The Coordination Committee has stated that the ACP displayed his service revolver and allegedly threatened and intimidated the advocates present. This alleged display of force and intimidation has been described as a matter of extreme seriousness by the committee.
Adding to the concerns, the committee also noted the registration of a separate FIR (No. 0252/2026) at the Shahdara police station on October 26 against members of the Bar. The committee expressed grave concern over the unfolding of these events and highlighted what it perceives as recurring instances of high-handed conduct by police personnel towards the legal fraternity.
Demands and Wider Implications
In response to these allegations, the Coordination Committee has formally demanded the immediate suspension of ACP Manasvi Vashishta and the concerned SHO, pending an impartial inquiry into the matter. The committee emphasized that the advocacy for justice and fair treatment within the legal system should not lead to intimidation or confrontation for legal practitioners.
The decision for a one-day work boycott means that all district courts in Delhi will remain closed for judicial proceedings on Tuesday. This action could impact numerous hearings and other legal processes scheduled for the day. The Coordination Committee has communicated its concerns and demands to various authorities, including the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, the Commissioner of Police, and the principal judges of the district courts.
The lawyers’ associations have stressed the importance of protecting the safety, dignity, and professional independence of advocates, asserting that any attempt to intimidate them will not be tolerated. The current situation highlights a significant point of friction between the legal community and law enforcement agencies in the capital.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
