The Coordination Committee of All District Courts Bar Associations of Delhi has called upon advocates to abstain from judicial work across all district courts in the national capital on October 27.

The move comes after the lawyers are protesting the alleged intimidation given to them by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) at Shahdara Police Station.

In a circular dated October 26, the Coordination Committee demanded the immediate suspension of ACP Manasvi Vashishta and the concerned Station House Officer (SHO), pending an impartial inquiry into the incident.

The decision was taken during an emergency meeting held through video conference on October 26 to consider the circumstances surrounding the registration of an FIR against members of the Bar.

According to the circular, the matter originated from the FIR registered in connection with an incident in which a male advocate allegedly sustained a serious head injury following an assault. Another male lawyer is the complainant in the case.

The Committee stated that the seriousness of the injury called for a prompt, effective and impartial response from the police authorities in accordance with law.

It further stated that several advocates visited Shahdara Police Station on the evening of October 23 to seek appropriate legal action against the persons concerned when the ACP and SHO allegedly assured the lawyers that the persons named in the case would be arrested.

The circular states that the Committee was informed that the accused persons were present at the police station at the relevant time. However, on October 24, the advocates reportedly learnt that they had not been arrested and had instead been released.

As per the circular, when advocates subsequently approached the police station to raise concerns regarding the handling of the matter and seek accountability, an incident involving ACP Manasvi Vashishta allegedly occurred.

According to the account placed before the Committee, the ACP displayed his revolver and threatened and intimidated the advocates present.

Expressing concern over the incident, the Committee stated that advocates' lawful pursuit of justice, including efforts to ensure that complaints are dealt with fairly and effectively, must not become a cause for intimidation or confrontation.

“The Commlttee also takes serlous note of recurring concerns regarding Instances of hlgh-handed conduct by police personnel towards members of the legal raternity In the recent past. The Coordination Commttee reotves to demand the immediate suspension of ACP Manavi Vshshta and the concerned SHO pending an Impartial inquiry,” the circular states.

The Coordination Committee said the decision to abstain from judicial work was a collective institutional response to the events and a demonstration of solidarity with advocates against conduct that undermines their dignity, safety or legitimate professional role.

The Committee has appealed to advocates to maintain unity and solidarity, stating that issues affecting their safety and dignity require serious consideration by the appropriate institutional authorities.