Delhi Police Detain Lawyers Near Supreme Court Ahead Of CJP Protest At Jantar Mantar

Delhi police officials apprehended several lawyers, including Supreme Court advocate-on-record Sumita Hazarika, on Saturday, as heightened security measures were implemented in the capital city in anticipation of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar. This development came to light through messages circulating among the legal community, which claimed that police personnel had intercepted advocates near the Supreme Court and their chambers, subsequently transporting them in a Vajra van.

According to the messages, four advocates, comprising two advocates-on-record, were detained. One of the lawyers expressed concern about not being informed about their destination following their apprehension. Presently, around 100 Supreme Court and Delhi court lawyers have been detained by Delhi police and are currently at the Yamuna Sports Complex.

Advocate-on-record Sumita Hazarika, among the detained lawyers, alleged that two police personnel involved in the operation were not wearing name tags. The message shared among the lawyers indicated, "Two AORs - Sumita Hazarika and myself and two other lawyers have been picked up in Vajra van by police personnel two of whom have no name tags. Don't know where they are taking us."

A circulated photograph accompanying the claims showed three women inside a police vehicle, alongside uniformed personnel. The legal fraternity expressed concern over the matter, with the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) writing to Chief Justice Surya Kant to condemn the excessive police force utilized during the detainment of advocates, including AOR Sumita Hazarika, near the Supreme Court during the protests held on October 10.

The SCBA sought urgent intervention, safety assurances, and the immediate release of the detained lawyers. The incident occurred as Delhi Police maintained increased security measures ahead of the CJP's planned protest at Jantar Mantar. However, the circumstances surrounding the detentions remained unclear, with further details awaited.