Published 16:35 IST, November 5th 2019
MHA seeks clarification on Delhi HC order; protesting cops set demands
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday, has sought clarification from the Delhi High Court on the earlier order stating no coercive steps can be taken
Advertisement
Update at 4:45 PM:
Delhi HC has sent a notice to Bar Council of India, all bar associations and the Delhi government about the MHA's plea regarding the order on the Tis hazri Court incident.
As the police personnel continue to protest outside the Delhi Police Headquarters against assault on police officers , the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday, has sought clarification from the Delhi High Court on the earlier order stating no coercive steps can be taken against lawyers involved in the instances of violence, as per sources. MHA in its application has asked whether the HC order on Tis Hazri Court incident, will be applicable on subsequent events as well. Sources report that the Home Secretary AK Bhalla and Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal have been appraised of the situation by the Police Commissioner Amulya Pattnaik.
MHA takes stock of police protest
Earlier in the day, sources reported that the Home Secretary has been chairing various meetings on the issue after receiving a 3-page report from the Delhi police on the incident. The Home Ministry has been informed of the violence which ensued since Saturday in Tis Hazri Court, Kadkadooma Court and at Saket Court. After the Commissioner urged the protesting police officials to get back to work, the MHA had asked for a preliminary report from the Delhi police about how the incident occurred and what steps are being taken.
Delhi HC bars 'coercive action'
Previously on Sunday, the Delhi High Court took suo-moto cognisance of the case and ordered a judicial probe under the aegis of retired judge SP Garg. The court also transferred two senior police officers, suspended two others and ordered compensation for three injured lawyers. During the hearing in a jam-packed courtroom, the bench, after hearing various lawyers' associations, directed that no coercive action would be taken against any lawyer on the basis of FIRs lodged at the behest of police officials. Lawyers in the Delhi High Court and all district courts abstained from work on Monday, protesting against Delhi police, demanding the arrest of the involved Delhi police official.
Two FIRs filed
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, two FIRs have been registered in connection with the Saket District Court scuffle, according to ANI. The first FIR has reportedly been filed on the complaint given by the police officer who was allegedly thrashed by a lawyer. Meanwhile, the other FIR has been filed on the complaint given by a taxi driver who was hit with a steel rod.
The protesting police officials have submitted a list of demands to the Delhi Police Commissioner:
- Police association for lower staff as well
- Reinstate suspended police officers
- Better treatment and compensation to injured police officers
- Action against advocates
- Appeal against the HC order in Supreme Court
- Immediate verification of person who assaulted policeman
What was the scuffle about?
The lawyers have claimed a scuffle broke with Delhi Police after they were denied parking space. Lawyers claimed that Police officers heckled them and open fired. As many as four lawyers were injured. At least 20 police personnel were also injured while 17 vehicles vandalised, according to officials and eyewitnesses. On the other hand, Delhi police claimed that violence began on Saturday after on-duty officers objected to a lawyer parking his car in front of a lockup. A police statement said that a large number of lawyers responded angrily to their request. CCTV footage shows lawyers manhandling the police officers.
Updated 17:05 IST, November 5th 2019