Brief
Supreme Court to hear lawyers' hardship pleas amid Delhi protests
Chief Justice Surya Kant agreed to hear a Supreme Court Bar Association petition on hardships faced by lawyers amid protests over the chief election commissioner.
By Felo News Desk · Published
New Delhi, Oct 12 (PTI) – Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the Supreme Court will hear pleas on hardships faced by lawyers amid ongoing protests, after a bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took note of a petition filed by Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Pradeep Rai.
What happened
The SCBA submitted a petition highlighting difficulties lawyers encountered during protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The bench heard the submissions on Monday and emphasized that democratic activities must proceed smoothly without obstructing the Court, its staff, or litigants.
What the reports add
According to the PTI feed, the SCBA had condemned the reported use of “excessive force” against lawyers heading to Jantar Mantar for a protest called by the Chief Justice of India against the CEC. The association also urged the CJI to intervene urgently. The report notes that senior lawyers suggested the matter could be taken up on Tuesday, citing recent experiences over the past two days.
What was said
Chief Justice Surya Kant said, “Democratic activities must take place smoothly, but there should be no obstruction to the functioning of the Supreme Court or movement of lawyers, court staff and litigants.” He added, “We are not a political party. The institution is performing institutional duties. I have appealed to protesters also.” The SCBA president Pradeep Rai said, “We are performing our professional duties. Political parties should not interfere in our domain. An independent lawyer has also filed the petition expressing genuine difficulties.”
How it came about
The petitions follow a series of Supreme Court hearings on protest‑related matters, including a Oct 11 hearing on the Delhi police crackdown on CJP protesters (see previous coverage) and a Oct 10 contempt plea over Delhi metro closures during the same protests. The current pleas reflect growing concerns that the demonstrations could impede judicial functioning in the capital.
Key facts
- Chief Justice Surya Kant agreed to hear a petition on lawyers' hardships amid Delhi protests (news18.com)
- The petition was filed by SCBA president Pradeep Rai (news18.com)
- Protests target the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar (news18.com)
- The bench included Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana (news18.com)
Sources
- [1] news18.com — originally reported as “SC to hear pleas on hardships faced by lawyers amid protests in city”
