Lawyers across Delhi’s district courts have extended their strike indefinitely over allegations of intimidation and threats by police officials at Shahdara police station. The advocates are demanding the suspension of ACP Manasvi Vashishtha and the concerned Station House Officer (SHO) pending an impartial investigation. The decision was taken by the Coordination Committee of All District Courts Bar Associations of Delhi after a day-long strike on Tuesday. As part of their protest, lawyers have also announced a march towards Delhi Police Headquarters on Thursday, October 29. The committee has directed advocates to abstain from judicial work until further orders and gather outside their respective district courts to demonstrate their opposition to the handling of the matter.

Dispute Began After Assault on Advocate
The controversy reportedly began on October 23, when advocate Lalit Bansal allegedly suffered serious head injuries in an assault connected to a dispute in the Shahdara area. A case was registered following a complaint in connection with the incident. According to the lawyers’ association, several advocates subsequently visited Shahdara police station to demand action against those allegedly involved. The police officers reportedly assured them that arrests would be made. However, the advocates later claimed that the accused had not been arrested and had allegedly been allowed to leave. When lawyers returned to the police station on October 24 to question the handling of the case, another confrontation reportedly took place.

Lawyers and Police Make Counter-Allegations
The advocates have alleged that ACP Manasvi Vashishtha displayed his revolver and threatened those present at the police station. They have demanded action against the officers and called for an impartial inquiry. The police, meanwhile, have levelled allegations against the lawyers involved in the confrontation. According to police officials, around 15–20 advocates allegedly abused and intimidated personnel on duty and obstructed government work at the police station on October 24. An FIR was registered against them on October 26 following a complaint by the ACP. The complaint reportedly alleges that one advocate grabbed the SHO’s hand and attempted to pull him, while others threatened police personnel. Police have stated that the allegation concerning the display of a firearm is also being investigated.

Protest Spreads as Legal Work Remains Suspended
The dispute has developed into a wider standoff between the legal fraternity and Delhi Police. On Tuesday, advocates also staged a demonstration outside the office of the Joint Commissioner of Police for East Delhi. The Coordination Committee has appealed to lawyers to maintain unity and continue the protest until further directions. The planned march to Police Headquarters is expected to add to the pressure for action on the advocates’ demands. Meanwhile, the competing allegations against the lawyers and police officers remain subject to investigation. The outcome of the inquiry and any further action by the authorities will be significant in determining how the dispute is resolved. The strike is expected to affect judicial proceedings across Delhi’s district courts for as long as the committee’s directive remains in force.</WritingBlock