Politics · India Bureau
Supreme Court to hear petitions on lawyer hardships during Delhi protests
India's apex court has agreed to examine pleas from the Supreme Court Bar Association and others highlighting difficulties faced by legal professionals amid ongoing demonstrations in the national capital. Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized that while democratic activities must proceed unhindered, court operations and movement of judicial personnel cannot be obstructed.
LSN India ·
The Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, scheduled the matter for hearing on Tuesday after considering submissions on the situation. Senior advocate and SCBA president Pradeep Rai raised multiple concerns affecting the legal fraternity, including internet service restrictions that have compounded difficulties during the protest period.
The Chief Justice acknowledged the importance of democratic participation while stressing the necessity for unimpeded court functioning. "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," the bench noted during proceedings.
The Supreme Court Bar Association had previously condemned reports of excessive force being used against lawyers during the demonstrations. The ongoing protests in Delhi are centred on demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with their continuation creating significant disruptions to legal proceedings and the movement of judicial stakeholders within the capital.