A Bench of the Delhi High Court, comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma, on Tuesday declined to take suo motu cognisance of allegations against suspended Assistant Commissioner of Police Manasvi Vashishta, directing the aggrieved lawyers to file a formal petition instead.
Court Requires Formal Petition Over Suo Motu Action
The request for judicial intervention arose after a group of lawyers urged the court to act on its own motion concerning the conduct of ACP Vashishta. The officer was suspended by the Ministry of Home Affairs following a protest by Delhi Police personnel outside the police headquarters on November 2. During the demonstration, alleged derogatory remarks were directed at the legal fraternity.
The Bench explained its institutional constraints, stating that as a court of record, it must have material placed before it formally. The judges instructed the advocates to submit all available evidence and allegations through a petition filed with the registry, assuring them that the matter would be examined upon receipt.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy originated from an incident on October 23 at the Shahdara police station, where advocate Lalit Bansal allegedly sustained a serious head injury during a scuffle. The event triggered a confrontation between lawyers and police personnel, leading to an indefinite strike by advocates from district courts. The strike was subsequently called off after Delhi Police transferred ACP Vashishta, then posted as Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Gandhi Nagar, to the Special Police Unit for Women and Children. The Station House Officer of Shahdara, Inspector Arun Kumar, was also transferred to the security unit.
The situation escalated when police personnel, including Vashishta, protested the transfers. The Ministry of Home Affairs subsequently suspended Vashishta.
What specific allegations have the lawyers levelled against the suspended ACP?
The lawyers alleged that during the police protest, remarks threatening the use of an AK-47 and referring to advocates as 'kale coat ke gunde' (goons in black coats) were made against the legal fraternity.
Court's Disposition
The High Court refused to exercise suo motu jurisdiction at this stage. The Bench directed the lawyers to file a formal petition accompanied by all supporting material so that the matter can be placed before the court for adjudication.
Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
October 23 | Advocate Lalit Bansal allegedly injured during scuffle at Shahdara police station; lawyers begin strike. |
October 28 | Delhi Police transfers ACP Manasvi Vashishta and SHO Arun Kumar; lawyers call off strike. |
November 2 | Police personnel protest transfers outside headquarters; alleged remarks made against lawyers. |
Subsequent | Ministry of Home Affairs suspends ACP Vashishta. |
November 3 | Delhi High Court declines suo motu action; directs filing of formal petition. |