SC will become ‘object of ridicule’ if it fails to stop police violence against protesters: Prashant Bhushan
New Delhi: Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan has warned that the Supreme Court risks becoming irrelevant and an “object of ridicule” both in India and internationally if it fails to intervene against alleged police violence targeting peaceful protesters and lawyers in the national capital.
His remarks came ahead of a special Supreme Court hearing scheduled for Sunday on a contempt petition alleging that authorities violated the court’s October 9 order against a complete shutdown of public transport during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests at Jantar Mantar.
In a strongly worded post on X, Bhushan urged the apex court to direct police to stop the alleged use of force against demonstrators and take action against right-wing groups accused of threatening and attacking protesters.
“If the SC does not step in to order the police forces to stop the violence by them on peaceful lawyers & other protesters, & does not order the police to detain right wing goons who are perpetrating & threatening violence on protestors, it will not only become irrelevant, but will also become the object of ridicule in the country & internationally,” Prashant Bhushan wrote on X.
The controversy has also reached the judiciary following reports that several advocates, including senior and women lawyers, were detained near the Supreme Court during Saturday’s protests.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) sought the urgent intervention of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, alleging that advocates participating in peaceful demonstrations near the court premises had been subjected to excessive police force.
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Saket Court rejects plea seeking FIR against police
In a separate development, a Saket Court dismissed an application filed on behalf of Ratna Singh, legal affairs head of the Campaign for Judicial Parity (CJP), seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against police personnel.
The application alleged that Singh had been wrongfully confined and prevented from attending the October 10 demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Saturday’s demonstrations saw widespread detentions across Delhi as police moved to prevent protesters from gathering at Jantar Mantar.
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Around 1,000 people were detained, including prominent Opposition leaders such as Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan.
The protests were organised over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Meanwhile, Opposition parties have announced further demonstrations over the SIR controversy, including a proposed Congress march on October 12.