The Supreme Court convened a special Sunday hearing to address the detention of activists and lawyers protesting near Jantar Mantar. Several senior advocates deposed on the excessive police response, including allegations of unlawful detentions and violence against legal professionals.
Supreme Court Hears Pleas Over Detention of CJP Protesters
The Supreme Court held a rare Sunday hearing on October 11, 2026, to consider petitions challenging the Delhi Police's crackdown on activists and lawyers associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) who had gathered for a protest at Jantar Mantar. The hearing was convened following widespread reports of unlawful detentions and use of force against demonstrators and legal practitioners seeking to exercise their fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution.
Senior Advocate Gopal Shankarnarayan submitted that several practising lawyers were prevented from moving freely in Delhi, calling the situation 'that bad' and noting that photographic evidence presented in court was 'self-explanatory'. Justice Joymalya Bagchi acknowledged the gravity of the allegations, stating,
'We know you all are aggrieved by what happened yesterday. We are not here to trivialise what happened.'Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat also informed the bench that he was 'brutalised' during the incident, underscoring concerns over police excesses during peaceful assembly.
The Court is expected to issue interim directions governing police conduct during public demonstrations, especially concerning the rights of legal professionals to access protest sites and provide legal aid. The matter has been listed for further hearing on Tuesday, with the Registry directed to ensure compliance with notice requirements under BNSS Section 35(3) for all detenues. The case raises pressing questions about the balance between public order and civil liberties under the BNS framework.
Citations
- Article 19(1)(a), Constitution of India
- Article 19(1)(b), Constitution of India
