New Delhi, Oct 10: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant intervened on Saturday after several lawyers were detained by Delhi Police and central forces ahead of the proposed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in the national capital, with the Supreme Court asking authorities to release the detained advocates.

The intervention followed an appeal by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), which condemned the alleged use of excessive force against lawyers, including senior advocates, young lawyers and women advocates, reportedly detained while protesting peacefully in the Supreme Court premises.

In its resolution, the SCBA stated: “The Supreme Court Bar Association expresses its grave concern and condemns the reported use of excessive force against, and detention of, senior and young advocates, particularly women advocates, who were peacefully protesting in the Supreme Court area today.”

The association urged the CJI to intervene immediately, ascertain the whereabouts and safety of every detained advocate and ensure access to legal assistance and secure the release of those against whom there were no lawful grounds for detention.

“The circumstances of the detentions and the reported use of force be examined, and appropriate action be taken in accordance with law,” the resolution further stated.

SCBA president and senior advocate Pradeep Rai also raised concerns over the detentions and sought the lawyers' immediate release. The CJI is understood to have communicated with the concerned authorities following the association's appeal.
 

The detentions occurred amid heightened security arrangements in Delhi ahead of the CJP's proposed demonstration. The party had called for the protest over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

According to reports, advocates had gathered near the Supreme Court before being detained by security personnel. The incident prompted the SCBA to seek urgent intervention to protect the lawyers' safety and legal rights. The episode has brought renewed attention to police action against protesters and the need to safeguard the rights of advocates, particularly when demonstrations take place near the country's highest court.