Lawyers Association For Constitution Moves Supreme Court Alleging Police Excesses Against Advocates During Delhi Protests
A writ petition has been filed before the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution on behalf of the Lawyers' Association for Constitution (LAFC) and four of its member/ advocates who were allegedly manhandled and illegally detained by the Delhi Police during protests in Delhi on 10 and 11 October 2026.
The petition has been filed through Advocate-on-Record Ms. Pyoli.
The petition raises serious concerns regarding police excesses against peaceful protesters, including assault, abuse and unlawful detention of advocates, women, juveniles, journalists and passers-by. It also challenges the denial of access to legal assistance and medical aid, failure of police personnel to display identification, and suspension of mobile internet services.
The petition invokes Articles 14, 15, 19, 21 and 22 of the Constitution and the safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court in D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal.
The petitioners are the Lawyers' Association for Constitution, represented by its Convenor, Senior Advocate Ms. Anjana Prakash, and advocates Mr. Fidel Tom, Ms. Sumita Hazarika, Ms. Anna Oommen and Ms. Anne Mathew. Mr. Fidel Tom was allegedly assaulted while in custody at Sanjay Colony Police Station and denied timely access to legal assistance and medical aid. Ms. Sumita Hazarika, Ms. Anna Oommen and Ms. Anne Mathew were stated to be manhandled and forcibly detained by police personnel during a peaceful march on October, 10, 2026.
The petition seeks an independent, time-bound and court-monitored inquiry into the police action; immediate preservation of CCTV footage and other material evidence; disclosure of detention records; enforcement of safeguards for detainees, women and juveniles; and accountability of the police personnel and supervisory officers responsible.
It further seeks appropriate directions concerning the legality of internet suspension, protection of journalists, binding guidelines for policing peaceful assemblies, compensation for violations of fundamental rights, and protection against retaliation for peaceful protest or for approaching the Court.