Supreme Court directs lawyers to approach Delhi HC over protest assault claims

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has instructed counsel representing petitioners Kunal Yadav and others to file their plea before the Delhi High Court regarding allegations of assault during a demonstration at the Bar Council of India premises. The bench noted that claims of physical assault, forced removal, and verbal abuse would be more appropriately examined by the High Court rather than the apex court.

The petitioners have alleged that they were subjected to physical violence, dragged, and forcibly ejected from the BCI office during what they describe as a peaceful protest. The incident has raised questions about the treatment of demonstrators and the conduct of the authorities at the premises.

The Supreme Court's direction to approach the Delhi High Court is seen as a procedural measure to ensure the matter is heard at the appropriate judicial level. The Delhi High Court will now have the jurisdiction to examine the allegations and determine whether an investigation into the incident is warranted.

This development comes amid growing scrutiny of protest management and the treatment of activists engaging in peaceful demonstrations across the country. The case may set a precedent for how similar allegations of assault during protests are handled in the judicial system.